While this discussion is certainly interesting, I'm not sure if two
similar but not identical queries have been posted at the same time and
if they are now being jointly answered.

Mount Holyoke is not questioning its mission with my current project-- we
have decided that we would like to be a resource for students as this was
the intention of the collection from the get-go, back in 1872.

I am interested, then, in finding out is how university and college
museums specifically target students and draw them to events and
programs.  Thanks to all those who have shared their techniques for
increasing student participation.  Keep the ideas coming; I will most
likely post a synopsis of all the suggestions to the list.

On the issue of a museum's role in academe, I don't know how a museum can
exist on a college or university campus and not be acutely aware of the
rest of the institution.  If a museum exists to serve its visitors, and
the most acccessible would-be visitors literally share the same piece of
land as the museum it would seem to follow that such a museum would keep
this constiuency's needs in mind.

Chris Roch '96
Mount Holyoke College
email:  [log in to unmask]