Hello Colleagues,

 I would like to comment about getting the public invloved with "the
human aspect", the behind the scenes, aspect of our museums.  Having been
both a member of museum audiences and a museum worker, I have to extol
the benefits of this approach from both perspectives.  Yes, the public
wants to know the nuts and bolts.  As was mentioned, children especially
love to know how things work- not giving them this information
potentially decreases the full impact our museums could have on their
lives.  My most memorable childhood museum experiences were the ones
where I was introduced to the people and action happening behind the
scenes at the museums.  As an adult, I also really appreciate this same
information because it gives me greater perspective into the way that any
given exhibit is presented.
  As far as museum personnel goes,  every person deserves and enjoys
recognition.  No person in any of our museums should go without credit,
down to the very last janitor (YES!).  Each and every person contributes
to the smooth operation of our institutions in some way.  I have seen too
many museums where the experience has been considerably lessened by the
absence of those who we might consider the most inconsequential of our
staff.  No greater respect can be paid to our visitors than to have a
happy and well recognized work force who take pride in their work, and
want to show the world their appreciation through top notch work!  I may
be starting to sound overly idealized, but I tell you that I have seen
TOO MANY museums lacking this sense of community among its staff which is
so essential to our success!
  To wrap up, I think that we are taking very positive steps by
recognizing our behind the scenes crews, but I think it can go even
further. We need nothing more (at this period in time) than to demystify
the public in regards to the "authority" of the institution.Is it not our
business to help people understand, rather than to withold a full
understanding?