The comments from Joe Ruggerio about the relationship between the
University's science
center and the  teaching faculty  (see below) seem to fly in the face of
recent sentiment
which would suggest that  if a university museum does not serve the
academic needs of
teachers and students as well as their cultural needs then  the
administrative ax  may
easily find a home.  I am curious, therefore, as to who your visitors are
and what your
museum's primary purpose is.


>Dear Joe,
>
>We are part of the University of Arizona in Tucson. For many years -
>maybe still - students would take certain astronomy courses in our
>planetarium. Instructors would also give assignments that would require
>use of some of our exhibits; solar spectrum and antique instruments for
>example.
>
>Since I arrived here, about 4 years ago, we have been re-doing our exhibit
>offerings. Many of the old exhibits are no longer here. Still, I find
>students are being given assignments on these exhibits which tells me
>that the instructor has not been in for some time.
>
>As of now there are no official channels for communication between our
>exhibit program and various course requirements. I'm not really sure I
>want any. I don't think that our exhibits should be built to meet the
>needs of instructors or their courses. And I certainly do not want to be
>directed by say, the school of sciences to build any specific exhibits.
>
>Let's keep in mind our primary purpose for being in existance.
>Both schools and museums are institutions organized to inspire, and maybe
>educate, individuals. Therefore, in my view we do not exist to serve the
>needs of schools, but our visitors.
>
>Joe Ruggiero
>Associate Director / Exhibits
>Flandrau Science Center
>Unversity of Az, Tucson