This article deals with the efforts of The Art Museum Association of America in developing a software program (called Computer Software Project) for museum use. The Art Museum Association of America became interested in computer applications in art museums during 1981 as a result of conversations with members who had questions about the technology. In an environment of increasing administrative demands and aggressive advertising by computer vendors, a number of museum professionals developed an insistent feeling that they were far behind the rest of the world in using computers to improve their operations. Yet many museum administrators searched without success for information to help them make decisions in a technical environment outside of their experience and expertise. Richard N. Murray, Director of the Archives of Art, Smithsonian Institution , related, We have for several years recognized the need for automated records...but have been somewhat bewildered by the profusion of hardware and software that we are assured are adaptable to museum needs. The Association determined to assess whether there was a way to assist art museums enter the computer environment.

This article deals with the efforts of The Art Museum Association of America in developing a software program (called Computer Software Project) for museum use. The Art Museum Association of America became interested in computer applications in art museums during 1981 as a result of conversations with members who had questions about the technology.