Jane--
Thank you for your explanation.  That is the distinction I needed.  When it is clear
to the public that it isn't the open storage as I have seen it--but appears
professional and with a purpose I understand the appeal.  Thank you again.

Jane Sproull Thomson wrote:

> Ammie -
> To me, open storage means the attractive and exciting exhibits of this type
> offered by  Victoria's Museum of Anthropology in B.C., with its somewhat
> minimal information on magnificent collections which are well-exhibited on
> enclosed glass shelving, or Glenbow in Calgary, where larger-than-normal
> groups of similar artifacts are displayed alongside a more conventional
> diorama-type exhibit where the object is fully explained. There are lots of
> ways of offering open storage and some are closer to your horrifying
> visions, but the term "open storage" is somewhat of a misnomer, since the
> purpose is "opening up larger collections to the public" in some way, not
> "leaving collections lying around in the open". Do you see the distinction?
>
> At 09:02 AM 08/02/99 -0600, you wrote:
> >I have some concerns.  As a relatively new museum professional (three years
> >experience) my understanding is that open storage can lead to some problems.
> >First of all, I dont know about anyone else but I have found that after my own
> >museum's renovation which expanded our space three times so that we had more
> >storage and could leave the old "Grandma's Attic" display method behind, that
> >the locals were somewhat disappointed in the change.  They expected everything
> >to remain the same.  So wouldn't it follow that if you began a policy of open
> >storage, the public would gravitate again toward their preferences for
> >"grandma's attic?" Isn't part of our responsibility as professionals to educate
> >the public on good museum practices.  I just cant envision open storage as a
> >good museum practice.  Am I mis-interpreting what you mean by "Open Storage?'
> >To me it just brings to mind the image of little to no interpretation of the
> >artifacts with no teaching purpose.  Just random objects lying out for the
> >public's curiousity.  Could somebody answer my concerns?
> >
> >Thank you for your time on this issue.
> >
> >Ammie Goss
> >Pioneer Woman Museum
> >701 Monument
> >Ponca City, OK 74604
> >580-765-6108
> >email [log in to unmask]
> >
> >
> >Lee Langston-Harrison wrote:
> >
> >> Hi everyone . . . please discuss this issue of open storage on the list . .
> >> . we're interested in hearing current opinions, especially from those who
> >> went that route several years ago.  I really love the storage systems at
> >> the Wallace gallery in Col. Williamsburg . . . would be interested in how
> >> it's working on a daily basis.
> >>
> >> Can we start a dialogue?!  Thanks, Lee :)
> >>
> >> Lee Langston-Harrison
> >> Director of Curatorial Operations
> >> Montpelier, Home of James & Dolley Madison
> >> Montpelier Station, VA 22957
> >> (540) 672-0007
> >> [log in to unmask]
> >>
> >> ----------
> >> From: Sally Shelton <[log in to unmask]>
> >> To: [log in to unmask]
> >> Subject: Open storage
> >> Date: Monday, February 08, 1999 9:20 AM
> >>
> >> Hi, MUSEUM-L people. I received the following request for info from a
> >> colleague and thought I'd post it for your input and comments. Thanks in
> >> advance for your help and expertise.
> >>
> >> Cheers, Sally Shelton
> >> National Museum of Natural History
> >> <[log in to unmask]>
> >>
> >> We at the Peab. are interested in exploring open viewing storage systems
> >> that allow the public to see more of the collection than normally they
> >> would encounter in an exhibition.  This idea of course is developed
> >> differently by different institutions according to their collections
> >> needs.  "Open storage" was in vogue some years ago and seems to be making
> >> a comeback (if I read trends correctly).  Anyhow, what I would like is
> >> titles of references that might come to mind on the subject.  Can you
> >> think of any you have seen?  Thanks in advance.
> >>
> >> Larry
> >>
> >> -----------------------
> >> Lawrence J. Flynn
> >> Assistant Director
> >> Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology
> >> (617) 496-3945
> >> ----------
> >
> >
> Jane Sproull Thomson