Welcome to the Museum Assistance & Services Team, better known as MAST. We are here to help by providing technical assistance to our member museums by sharing information and expertise using our membership on a volunteer basis. We will try to provide help in almost any area including:

• Policy and procedures, documentation, collections data
• Finding supplies and equipment, specialists, presenters
• Collections management, storage, exhibition, marketing, fund-raising
• Creating long-term plans for collections development, conservation, disaster planning
• Advice on the general to the specific

Institutional members with a problem requiring expert advice, that need assistance in finding museum supplies and resources, or that need a disaster plan resource list are encouraged to contact the MAST Chair for assistance. (Carl Patterson at cpatterson@q.com or by phone to 303-863.8924.)

Usually, we can help via e-mail or subsequent telephone consultations. Other issues are best approached through a face-to-face site visit. MAST has limited funds to cover travel expenses for a volunteer consultant and the team will send the most qualified person we can find from among our members. To request a consultant grant, the interested museum must send a letter of application to the MAST Chair containing a description of the problem (electronic format preferred) for approval.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY OR DISASTER museums should contact the MAST Chair immediately so that CWAM can organize appropriate assistance. (Again Carl Patterson at cpatterson@q.com or by phone to 303-863.8924.)

Watch for MAST updates in the CWAM Newsletter. Remember, we are here to help if we can and that you have the experience of the whole CWAM community of museums behind you!