Publication Scheme
PUBLICATION SCHEME
Freedom of Information Act 2000
The Freedom of Information Act received Royal Assent on 30 November 2000. The Act gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities. Under the provisions of the Act, any person making a request to a public authority for information must be informed whether the authority holds the information and subject to any exemptions, be given access to the information, where possible, in the manner requested.
Individuals already have the right of access to information about themselves under the Data Protection Act 1998. This is known as the "subject access right". As far as public bodies are concerned, the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act will extend these rights to allow access to all types of information held by the authority.
All public authorities will be required to deal with requests for information from January 2005 when the individual right of access comes into force.
The Freedom of Information Act requires public authorities to adopt and maintain a publication scheme. Publication schemes should ensure that a significant amount of information is readily available to the public. For many public authorities, publication schemes become effective on 30 November 2000.
The FoI Act establishes the Office of the Information Commissioner whose duties include the promotion of the observance of the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000; the investigation of complaints regarding failure to comply with the requirements of the Act; the promotion of good practice and the approval of the public authorities' publication schemes.
The National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland is a public body subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and is included in the commencement order to come into effect on 30 November 2000. This Publication Scheme becomes effective from that date.
Access rights under the Freedom of Information Act come into force in 2005. However, prior to this date, requests for information not released through the Publication Scheme, may be made using the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. For further information see Section 14 of this Scheme. The Code of Practice is available at http://www.lcd.gov.uk/foi/ogcode981.htm. Copies are available free of charge from the Freedom of Information and Data Protection Unit, The Lord Chancellor's Department, Room 151, Selborne House, 54 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QW or by telephoning 020 7210 8755.
The National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland
The Board of Trustees of the National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland was established under the Museums and Galleries (Northern Ireland) Order 1998. Under the provisions of the Order and with effect form 1 April 1998, the Ulster Museum and its branch museum, the Armagh County Museum merged with the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum to form the National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland. The Ulster American Folk Park merged with the new institution in October 1998.
The National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland operate under the brand name of the Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland (MAGNI). MAGNI also operates the whowhatwherewhenwhy (W5) Science Centre, which opened in Belfast as part of the Odyssey millennium project in April 2001.
MAGNI is the national museum within Northern Ireland. It has responsibility for the collections within its care and through those collections, it has responsibility for promoting public awareness, appreciation and understanding of art; history; science; and the culture and way of life, migration and settlement of people.
MAGNI and the Commitment to Openness
The Board of Trustees of the National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland is committed to being open and accessible. This commitment is reflected in our goal of providing a high quality, user-friendly service that offers everyone access to our collections, archives, displays and programmes. MAGNI is committed to a policy of openness and will make information available, where possible. If we withhold information we will explain why we are doing so. MAGNI will actively seek to make information available rather than releasing it only in response to requests. Access rights under the Freedom of Information Act come into force in 2005. However, in line with our policy on openness, MAGNI will seek to make as much information available as possible prior to this date and will be guided by the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information in respect of information not otherwise released through the Publication Scheme.
The MAGNI Publication Scheme
Section 19 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 places a duty on public authorities to adopt and maintain a publication scheme, which must be approved by the Information Commissioner. The publication scheme must set out the types or classes of information the authority publishes or intends to publish, the form in which the information is published and the details of any charges made for such information. The purpose of the scheme is to ensure a significant amount of information is available, without the need for a specific request. Schemes are intended to encourage organisations to publish more information pro-actively and to develop a greater culture of openness.
In adopting and reviewing a publication scheme, the Act requires that a public authority should have regard to the public interest in:
- allowing public access to information held by the authority, and
- the publication of reasons for decisions made by the authority.
The aim of the MAGNI Publication Scheme is to explain the types of information which MAGNI publishes and, wherever possible, to provide an easy method of accessing it.
The Publication Scheme is available on the Museum's website at http://www.magni.org.uk or in hard copy available from
The Information Department
Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland
Botanic Gardens
Belfast
BT9 5AB
The Publication Scheme can also be made available through e-mail. No charge will be made for a copy of the scheme, whether in hard copy or electronic format. It is the aim of the Board of Trustees to provide as much information as possible free of charge. In general no charges will be levied for a single hard copy of information covered by the Publication Scheme. However there may be charges for certain publications listed within the scheme, for example published catalogues of the collections and other commercial publications. In addition charges, including a charge for staff time, may be levied for multiple copies of information. Where a charge is to be made, it will be notified in advance of the request being processed. Further details of Charges and Fees are given in Section 12 of the Scheme.
The Publication Scheme can be made available in alternative formats including large print, Braille, disc, e-mail attachment and audiocassette. The Scheme is also available, on request, in hard copy format in Irish, Ulster- Scots and the languages of the minority ethnic communities within Northern Ireland. Please contact the Information Department for further details.
The Publication Scheme does not solely refer to printed material. It includes material available in other published formats such as electronic documents. In keeping with our commitment to promoting equality of opportunity, on request, MAGNI will, where possible, make available an executive summary of key published information in other formats such as Braille, disc, e-mail attachment and audiocassette and in Irish, Ulster-Scots and the languages of minority ethnic communities in Northern Ireland.
Classes of Information within the Publication Scheme
The publication scheme is essentially a guide to the information a public authority routinely publishes or intends to publish routinely. The scheme should assist the public's understanding of what an authority does, the services it provides and the types of information it holds. This will also assist the public in formulating requests for information when the statutory right of access becomes available from January 2005.
The Freedom of Information Act is not prescriptive about the classes of information to be included in the Publication Scheme. The MAGNI Publication Scheme classifies information under three broad headings: Governance, Organisation and Management; Information for and about our Visitors; Information about the Collections. These headings have been chosen to reflect the major areas of the work of MAGNI and the service it offers to the public.
The success of the Scheme will be determined by the ease with which members of the public are able to locate the information they require. The classification system used will be subject to review in the light of experience of the first year of operation of the Scheme.
Exempt Information
The FoI Act allows for exemptions from the duty of a public authority to disclose certain information and establishes the arrangements for appeals against a decision by a public authority not to disclose information. A public body is not required to release information covered by any of the exemptions specified within the Act, a full listing of which can be found on the Lord Chancellor's Department website http://www.lcd.gov.uk However, in cases where information is covered by an exemption, other than an absolute exemption, the authority is required to consider the public interest in providing the information. This public interest test involves considering the circumstances of each particular case and the exemption that covers the information. The information may only be withheld if the public interest in withholding it is greater than the public interest in releasing it.Some information within the material published under the MAGNI Publication Scheme may be considered to be exempt. Where this occurs the published material will show where the information has been withheld and explain what exemption has been applied and the reason for it.
Information covered by the Data Protection Act is granted absolute exemption under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. A request for personal information about an applicant will be treated as a "subject access request" under the terms of the Data Protection Act 1998.
Under Section 21 of the FoI Act, information is exempt if it is accessible to an applicant by other means. Where information is already accessible because, for example, it is covered by the publication scheme, the authority is not required to provide the information in response to an individual request.
Update and Review of the Publication Scheme
The Act requires that the publication scheme be reviewed from time to time. The MAGNI Publication Scheme will be regularly amended and updated to include further published information and will subject to formal review on an annual basis.
Under the terms of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, MAGNI is required to maintain an Equality Scheme. The Scheme requires the Board to screen all new policies for the purpose of identifying those requiring an impact assessment. The MAGNI Publication Scheme will be subject to such screening and, if considered appropriate, an impact assessment will be undertaken within six months of its publication.
The Director of Operations, Mr Marshall McKee, is responsible for the overall management of the MAGNI Publication Scheme. The Information Department is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of the Scheme.
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GOVERNANCE, ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT |
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Information about MAGNI, its governance, organisation, management, staff and its policies on equality and openness |
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Description of Information |
Further details and how the information is to made available |
When available |
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Legislative framework |
The Museums and Galleries (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 and the Museums and Galleries (1998 Order) (Commencement) Order (Northern Ireland) 1998 available from TSO (The Stationery Office). Contact the website http://www.tso.co.uk for nearest TSO bookshop. Publication for sale from TSO (The Stationery Office) |
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History of the Organisation |
The Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland was formed in April 1998. The history of the constituent museums can be found in the following publications: A Museum in Belfast : A History of the Ulster Museum and its Predecessors by N. Nesbitt: Ulster Museum publication. Published 1979 From Corrib to Cultra : Edited by T.S. Owen: Published by the Institute of Irish Studies, Queens University of Belfast in association with the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. Published 2000 How It All Began : a history of the Ulster American Folk Park by E. Montgomery. Published 1991 Harvest Home : a history of the Armagh County Museum by T.G.F Paterson. Published 1975 Publications for sale : available from the MAGNI museum shops or by mail order. A list of publications for sale can be obtained from the individual sites of MAGNI or from the Publications Department
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Opening Horizons - The MAGNI Vision |
The vision and values of the organisation including an outline of its investment, foundation and creative programmes. Published 2000 Hard copy booklet available from the Information Department |
Current |
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Annual review of activities and developments |
Annual Reports and Financial Statements available on request from the Information Department Hard copy available from the Information Department |
Published annually for the financial year April to March |
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Description of Information |
Further details and how the information is to made available |
When available |
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List of Current Trustees
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List of Trustees: http://www.magni.org.uk/about_magni/board_of_trustees/ Website or hard copy available from the Information Department |
Current |
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Past Trustees |
Names of Trustees are published in the Annual Report and Financial Statements Hard copy available from the Information Department |
Reports available for last 15 years |
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Board of Trustees Standing Orders |
The Standing Orders governing the conduct of business by the Board of Trustees and its committees Hard copy available from the Information Department |
Current |
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Agenda of the Meeting of the Board of Trustees |
Agenda of the meeting of the Board of Trustees excluding information relating to personal or confidential issues or matters concerning development of policy not yet finalised or in respect of any matter which, on publication, would damage the public interest Hard copy available from the Information Department |
Agenda available one week prior to the meeting of the Board Available for meetings since December 2001 |
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Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Trustees |
Minutes of the meetings of the Board of Trustees: http://www.magni.org.uk/about_magni/board_of_trustees/ excluding information relating to personal or confidential issues or matters concerning development of policy not yet finalised or in respect of any matter which, on publication, would damage the public interest Website or hard copy from the Information Department |
Minutes available one month after approval by Board of Trustees Available for meetings since December 2001 |
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Code of Practice for Board Members and the Register of Interests |
Code of Practice governing the role and conduct of Board members and the Register of Interests Hard copy available from the information Department |
Current |
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Description of Information |
Further details and how the information is to made available |
When available |
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List of Senior Staff |
Directors of MAGNI with e-mail links: |
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Organisational Structure
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Staffing structure, names and job title of all MAGNI staff Hard copy available from the Information Department |
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Job descriptions and related information for recent vacancies |
Available in hard copy from the Information Department |
Current and for past three years |
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Staffing Policies and Procedures |
Internal policies relating to the employment of staff including policies on equality of opportunity, health and safety, grievance and discipline, recruitment and selection, training, dealing with harassment at work, redundancy and other personnel issues Hard copy available from the information Department |
Current
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Child Protection Policy and Procedures |
Policy and procedures for ensuring the safety and protection of children and young people who visit the Museum Hard Copy available from the Information Department |
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Staff Conduct |
Internal policies and procedures concerning the conduct expected of staff including the Code of Conduct for Staff, the Reporting of Allegations of Improper Conduct and the policy on the Acceptance of Gifts and Hospitality Hard copy available from the Information Department
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Current |
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Description of Information |
Further details and how the information is to be made available |
When available |
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Declaration of Protection |
Agreement with the trade union side on the creation of a neutral work environment including the prohibition of the display of material likely to cause offence Hard copy available from the Information Department |
Current |
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Equality Scheme |
In fulfilment of the Museum's obligations under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act Hard copy available from the Information Department
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Publication Scheme
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Scheme adopted and maintained under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 Available on the MAGNI website: Hard copy available from the Information Department |
Current
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Targeting Social Need - Action Plan |
Action Plan outlining the Museum's long term commitment to social inclusion and the breaking down of barriers to participation by the socially disadvantaged Hard copy available from the Information Department
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Business management, current activities and plans Information about MAGNI, its activities and future plans, for the whole organisation and for individual sites |
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Description of Information |
Further details and how the information is to made available |
When available |
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Information about the MAGNI sites, their collections and programmes of activity |
Information on the Ulster Museum, the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, the Ulster American Folk Park, the Armagh County Museum and W5. Available from the MAGNI Portal Additional information available on individual sites via hypertext links to the relevant website http://www.ulstermuseum.org.uk http://www.armaghcountymuseum.org.uk/
Information about the Habitas programme is available on the website. Habitas is a collections centred environmental project designed to deliver information about the natural world. Habitas offers physical and electronic access to MAGNI's vast natural history collections and a portal to the Museum's database of animal, plant, site and geological records |
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MAGNI Vision Statement |
Published in 2000, the MAGNI Vision Statement outlines the values of the organisation together with a description of its objectives and plans for the future Available from the MAGNI portal Hard copy booklet available from the Information Department |
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Business Plan |
The annual Business Plan outlines the Museum's planned activity for the financial year together with key Performance Indicators and financial information Hard copy available from the Information Department |
For current year (April-March) New annual plans will be available for succeeding financial years |
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Finance, accountability and performance Management of the Gallery’s resources, including its grant-in-aid funding, its buildings and estates |
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Description of Information |
Further details and how the information is to made available |
When available |
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Management Statement |
Agreement between the Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland and the Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure on their respective roles and in respect of the expenditure of public funds Hard copy available from the Information Department
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Currently in draft form. |
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Financial position |
The Museum's Financial Statements are audited by the Northern Ireland Audit Office and published by TSO (The Stationery Office). Contact the website http://www.online.co.uk for nearest TSO bookshop. Publication for sale from TSO (The Stationery Office) |
Published annually for the financial year April-March. |
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Past performance:
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The Annual Report and Financial Statements details activity undertaken during the year Hard copy available from the Information Department |
Published annually for the financial year April-March. |
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Charges and fees |
Details of charges and fees relating to admission, facility hire, film and photographic facility fees, photosales, staff consultancy and other income generating activity Information relating to admission charges available on website Available in hard copy from the Marketing Department
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List of current tenders
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Details of contracts currently subject to open tender together with tender documentation Available in hard copy from the Information Department |
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Description of Information |
Further details and how the information is to made available |
When available |
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Details of contracts awarded
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Details of contracts awarded as a result of an open tendering procurement exercise Available in hard copy from the Information Department
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Opportunities for sponsorship and donations |
Leaflets and information packs available on request from the Information Department
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Consultants and contractors currently employed, with dates of employment |
Available on request from the Information Department |
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Details of contracts advertised under EU legislation [contracts exceeding £93,000 for services and £3.6m for works]
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Available on request from the Information Department |
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INFORMATION FOR AND ABOUT VISITORS TO THE MUSEUM |
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Visitor Services Information about the services available to all our visitors, opening times, how to get to our museums, what there is to see |
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Description of Information |
Further details and how the information is to be made available |
When available |
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Information about the services available to our visitors, opening times, how to get to the MAGNI sites, access and what there is to see, information on admission charges |
Information about the Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland is available through the MAGNI portal or from the individual sites: Information on the individual sites http://www.ulstermuseum.org.uk http://www.armaghcountymuseum.org.uk/ Hard copy leaflets, including programmes of events and exhibitions, available at Information Desks on individual sites or from the site based Marketing Department. Leaflets include: Calendar of events Exhibition programmes Admission charges (where applicable) Site Maps / Gallery Plans Press Releases Available from the MAGNI portal Also available in hard copy. Please contact the Marketing Department |
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Posted to site on release
Current and for past twelve months |
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Basic visitor information in languages other than English |
Hard copy leaflets available from Information Desk on individual sites or from the Marketing Department |
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Comments and Complaints Procedure |
Available on request from the Information Desk on individual sites or by contacting the Marketing Department
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Information, access and services for people with disabilities |
Access policy: hard copy available on request from the Information Department. Information leaflets available from the Information Desk or by contacting the Information Department |
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Education Information about services offered to educational users of all kinds, including school groups and adults |
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Description of Information |
Further details and how the information is to made available |
When available |
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Information about services and programmes |
Full details of education programmes and resources for each of the MAGNI sites: http://www.ulstermuseum.org.uk http://www.armaghcountymuseum.org.uk/ Information leaflets, publications and other educational resource materials available on request from the Education Department |
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Education Policy |
A MAGNI wide (post-merger) Education Policy is available from the Information Department Site based policy documents (pre-merger) can be obtained from the Education Department of each of the museums
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Visitor figures and information Information about the number of visitors to our museums and their profile and behaviour. |
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Description of Information |
Further details and how the information is to made available |
When available |
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Attendance figures |
Annual and monthly summaries available for past ten years. On request from the Marketing Department Available in hard copy |
Figures are available on a monthly basis, 3 weeks after the end of each month |
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Visitor research survey reports |
On request from the Marketing Department Available in hard copy |
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THE COLLECTIONS The National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland (MAGNI) house the national collections relating to art, history and science; the migration and settlement of people; and the ways of life, culture and traditions of people, with particular regard to the heritage of Northern Ireland. The MAGNI collections are displayed or stored at one of the four museums which comprise the Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland, namely the Ulster Museum, Armagh County Museum, the Ulster American Folk Park and the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. The Science Centre w5 is a wholly owned subsidiary of MAGNI and does not hold collections. Information about the collections, their history and context, care and interpretation |
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Information about the Collections Including what we hold, acquisitions and loans to and from MAGNI |
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Description of Information |
Further details and how the information is to made available |
When available |
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Collections Management Policies
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Policies and associated procedures relating to the management of the collections including policies on acquisitions, conservation, documentation, research and disposal Hard copy available from the Information Department |
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The Catalogue |
A comprehensive catalogue of the drawings, paintings and sculptures from the collections Publication for sale : available from the Ulster Museum shop or by mail order from the Publications Department |
Published 2000
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Scholarly catalogues, exhibition catalogues, souvenir guides, including videos and CD-ROMs |
Catalogues, souvenir guides and other publications relating to the collections, exhibitions and educational activities of MAGNI Publications for sale : available from the MAGNI museum shops or by mail order. A list of publications for sale can be obtained from the Publications Department |
Current stock lists |
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Images from the collections |
Reproductions of selected paintings, postcards and copy photographs can be purchased in the MAGNI shops
Images from the collections can be ordered for research, personal and commercial purposes. Charges will apply. Contact the Marketing Department for further details and list of charges Selected images from the photographic collection available for sale online: |
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Description of Information |
Further details and how the information is to made available |
When available |
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Acquisitions, loans to and from the Collections |
Summarised information available in Annual Report Available in hard copy from the Information Department
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Published annually for the financial year April to March |
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Conditions of loan and information on borrowing from the Museum's Collections |
Available on request from the Information Department Hard Copy |
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Spoliation of Art During the Holocaust and World War II Period |
Summary information and list of works with incomplete provenance, contact details Hard copy on request from the Art Division, Ulster Museum
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Exhibit / artefact labels
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Description of the exhibit / artefact on display Located in Museum gallery or in exhibit building
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Research resources Information about research resources relating to the collections and their history |
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Description of Information |
Further details and how the information is to made available |
When available |
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Information about the collections
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Information about items within the collections is maintained on electronic database and card index. Available either by written enquiry to the relevant department or by appointment Parts of the information may be restricted, where it contains personal and/or other sensitive or confidential data. Information about the Habitas programme is available on the website
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Description of Information |
Further details and how the information is to made available |
When available |
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Library: information for readers including scope of Library, bibliographies and reading lists, access and contact details |
Available on request from Library Staff at the relevant museum site |
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List of recent publications by Curatorial Staff |
Published in the Annual Report Available in hard copy from the Information Department |
Published annually for the financial year April to March |
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Exhibitions Information about exhibitions organised or hosted by the Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland, including touring exhibitions |
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Description of Information |
Further details and how the information is to made available |
When available |
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Current exhibitions |
Details of the exhibitions and other visitor information http://www.ulstermuseum.org.uk http://www.armaghcountymuseum.org.uk/
Printed catalogues for major exhibitions on sale in Museum shops or by mail order A list of publications for sale can be obtained from the Publications Department
Associated talks and events programme: Online at above website addresses or in hard copy (leaflet) available from the Information Desk
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Future exhibitions |
Details of exhibitions scheduled to be shown within the next twelve months: http://www.ulstermuseum.org.uk http://www.armaghcountymuseum.org.uk/ Hard copy leaflets listing future exhibitions available on request from the Information Desk |
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Description of Information |
Further details and how the information is to made available |
When available |
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Past exhibitions
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Summary report of exhibitions activity is published in the Annual Report Hard copy available from the Information Department |
Published annually for the financial year April to March |
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Conditions of loan and information for those wishing to borrow items from the collections |
Available on request from the Information Department |
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11. How to Access Information Included Within the Publication Scheme
The Publication Scheme is available on the MAGNI website at http://www.magni.org.uk and in hard copy from the Information Department. The Scheme is available in a number of different formats - see Section 4 above.
The Scheme outlines the classes of information made available and the format in which it is presented. The material can be obtained as follows:
- Available on the Museum Website
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Material is available on the MAGNI website or through hypertext links to the website of the MAGNI museums. Website addresses are given within the Scheme.
- Available from the Information Department
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Information can be obtained by writing to or by sending an e-mail to:
The Information Department
National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland
Botanic Gardens
Belfast
BT9 5AB
Tel: 028 9038 3000
e-mail %69%6e%66%6f%72%6d%61%74%69%6f%6e%2e%6d%61%67%6e%69%40%6e%69%63%73%2e%67%6f%76%2e%75%6b
- Available from the Museum
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MAGNI operates across five sites. Material outlined in the Scheme can be obtained by writing to or calling in person at the site. The site locations are as follows:
The Ulster Museum
Botanic Gardens
Belfast
BT9 5AB
Tel: 028 9038 3000
The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum
Cultra
Holywood
Co. Down
BT18 0EU
Tel: 028 9042 8428
The Ulster American Folk Park
Mellon Road
Castletown
Omagh
Co. Tyrone
BT78 5QY
Tel: 028 8225 6292
11.3 (cont.) Available from the Museum
Armagh County Museum
The Mall East
Armagh
Co. Armagh
BT61 9BE
Tel: 028 3752 3070
W5 at Odyssey
2 Queen's Quay
Belfast
BT3 9QQ
Tel: 028 9046 7700
- Available from the Museum Shop
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MAGNI operates shops on each of its five sites. Materials such as exhibition catalogues, catalogues of the collections and other commercial publications can be purchased from the shop at the above locations.
If you are in doubt about which museum shop stocks the relevant material, please telephone our Information Department who will be glad to assist you.
- Available from the Marketing / Education Departments or the Library
Information as outlined within the Scheme can be obtained from the Marketing Department, the Education Department or the Library (some sites only) at the above locations.
11.6 Available at the Information Desk, within Museum Galleries and Exhibit Buildings
Information is available at the Information Desks at each of the five MAGNI sites. The locations are given above under Available from the Museum. Information as noted within the Scheme can also be obtained within galleries and exhibit buildings.
11.7 Available by Mail Order
A list of the material available for sale by mail order can be obtained from:
The Publications Department
Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland
Botanic Gardens
Belfast
BT9 5AB
Tel: 028 9038 3000
Alternatively you can contact the museum directly at the address given under Available from the Museum.
- Available by Written Enquiry or by Appointment
Information about the collections can be obtained from the relevant department within each of the museums, either in writing or by personal appointment. If you are in doubt about which museum to contact, please telephone the Information Department who will be glad to assist you.
Charges and Fees
Much of the material listed within the Scheme is available free of charge and is available on the website, from the Information Department or from other sources as indicated above. Requests for multiple print-outs, or for archived material no longer available on the website, may attract a charge for the cost of retrieval, photocopying, postage etc. We will let you know this at the time of your request. Charges would be payable in advance of the material being provided.
Some material, including catalogues, CD-ROMs and videos, is available for sale within the Museum shops. Charges are made for images from the collections. Reproduction charges may also apply.
Copyright and the MAGNI Publication Scheme
Material included in the Publication Scheme may be used for information and personal study only. Where information, images or other material is to be reproduced or used for commercial purposes, permission should first be obtained from the Museum. Additional charges will normally be levied. Please contact the Marketing Department.
Permission to reproduce information in the Publication Scheme does not extend to any material, which is identified as being the copyright of a third party. Authorisation to reproduce such material must be obtained from the copyright holders concerned.
How to Access Information Not Included Within the Publication Scheme
Certain types of information do not fall within the remit of the Publication Scheme, as it is not intended for publication. This does not, in itself, mean that the information is not available on request.
Requests for information not listed in the Publication Scheme should be made in writing to the Information Department. Please give as much detail as possible to enable Museum staff to identify the information you are seeking. If you have difficulty in identifying the precise information required or you have difficulty in making an application in writing, the Information Department will be pleased to assist you. Please contact the Department at the following address or by telephone on 028 9038 3000:
The Information Department
Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland
Botanic Gardens
Belfast
BT9 5AB
Wherever possible, the information requested will be provided in accordance with the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. However such information may be subject to a charge for the cost of retrieval based upon a standard hourly rate, photocopying, postage etc. Charges will be notified to you in advance of the request being processed.
Complaints and Appeals
If you do not receive a response to a request for information within 20 working days or if you are not satisfied with the way the Museum has handled your request, the fee charged or with the reasons given for the withholding of certain information, you have the right of appeal.
As a first step, a complaint or appeal should be made to the Director of Operations at the following address:
The Director of Operations
Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland
Botanic Gardens
Belfast
BT9 5AB
The matter will be reviewed internally by a senior member of Museum staff who was not previously involved in the handling of your original request. You will be notified in writing of the person appointed to investigate your complaint and the time within which the investigation will be undertaken.
If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the appeal or with the handling of the appeal itself, you may appeal to the Information Commissioner. Requests for a review by the Information Commissioner should be made directly to:
The Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AL
You can contact the Information Commissioner by telephone on 016 2554 5700 or by fax on
016 2554 5510. Appeals should normally be made to the Information Commissioner only after an internal review has been completed.
The Northern Ireland Ombudsman in his role as Commissioner for Complaints can investigate allegations of maladministration by the Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland. Further information on the Office of the Northern Ireland Ombudsman can be obtained on the website
or by contacting the Office by telephone on 0800 343424 or by calling at or writing to:
The Ombudsman Office
33 Wellington Place
Belfast
BT1 6HN
Approval Questionnaire
National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland
1a Have you had regard to the public interest in allowing access to information held by you?
Yes. The National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland is committed to being open, accessible and welcoming to our many audiences. The collections and the services we offer the many visitors and others who use our museums are two of the main areas of our business. Information regarding these key business areas is readily available to the public.
As a national museum, funded by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, the governance, organisation and management of the Museum, its collections, financial and other resources and assets are matters of public interest. The need to demonstrate transparency and accountability has been fully considered and taken into account in making information available to the public.
1b Have you had regard to the public interest in the publication of reasons for decisions made by you?
Yes. The material provided under the Publication Scheme provides the public with information relating to the decisions made by MAGNI in pursuance of its statutory obligations. See also under 1d below.
1c Have you considered frequently asked questions and specific areas of interest when determining your classes of information?
Yes. Information has been classified to reflect the public's main interest in MAGNI, namely the collections and the services we offer to our many different audiences. The section on governance, organisation and management of the Museum reflects the public interest in the accountability of the Museum, the management of its resources and in the Museum as an employer.
1d Have you made information available within your scheme that has not previously been made available under other information regimes?
Yes. The following information, which was not previously published, is included within the scheme:
The Standing Orders of the Board of Trustees
The Agenda of the Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The Annual Business Plan
Details of Contracts Awarded
Details of consultants and contractors employed by MAGNI
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