>       A collection is not a given.
>             Typically, science centres, some of which use
> museum in their
> name, do not typically hold collections. Similarly,
> childrens' museums and
> virtual museums do not hold collection.

Does calling yourself a museum make you a museum?

>If a "museum" held
> one object would
> it be a collection or do we need to have a minimum number?

Interesting point, but is it likely to happen?

>       Research is not a given.
>             Many local museums, smaller museums, etc. do not
> have the funds
> or qualified staff to undertake research but are trying their best to
> preserve objects.

Trying to define research is as hard as defining a museum ... Harder,
perhaps. Many curators would deny they have the opportunity or resources for
"research" whereas in fact they do some form of research into their
collections almost everyday.

>       Nonprofit is not a given.
>             Some museums/science centres, etc., have to
> generate revenue.
> They could be a public institution that is mandated to show a
> profit or
> close.

Yes. We make money. But we don't make a profit.

> In my view, museums should exist to serve the public, not to serve a
> collection. That being said, if the museum was closed to the
> public but
> still had a collection and did research would it still be a museum?
> Reluctantly, I would have to respond "yes" but it would be a
> museum without
> real meaning or purpose.

Wouldn't it just be a collection? I have a personal collection, and I
research it. But my home is not a museum (no matter what the removal men
said).


Michael

Michael P. Cooper
Nottingham Museums Registrar
T: +44 (0)115 915 3671
F: +44 (0)115 915 3601

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