Robert,
I am just graduating from a Museum Studies programme, and before entering
this programme, I had absolutely no idea of the work that goes on in
museums, behind the scenes, in order to create what the visitor experiences.
  I am currently working in education programmes, and I don't think that
anyone outside of the field realizes the hours of staff time, and the effort
required to offer a programme.  There is extensive research and development
required, in order to present the right information in just the right way.
Curriculums have to be adhered to, and the programmes have to be marketed in
order to draw an audience.  The presentation itself is physically and
emotionally exhausting.  Many people would argue that the work is valuable,
because of the potential for revenue.  I would like to disagree.  The amount
of revenue brought in, compared to the amount of work that goes into a
quality education programme, is not that remarkable.  But if you can teach
just one child something that they didn't know, something that makes their
face light up with enthusiasm, then that is where the value is.  You have
created a lifelong museum supporter, one who will return to museums, will
bring his or her parents, friends, and children.  You are ensuring the
future of museums.
Heather MacDonald
The Canadian Canoe Museum
www.canoemuseum.net


>From: Robert Tabak <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Explaining the value of museum, education,              programs;
>and related costs
>Date: Thu, 15 Jun 2000 09:04:13 -0400
>
>Dear Museum Colleagues:
>I am asking for your help and insight in explaining the value our work to
>some people less directly involved.  Our CEO has asked me to help prepare a
>memo for some of our trustees, as I will explain.
>
>Our institution includes both a research library/archive and a museum
>(including exhibits, museum education programs serving thousands --
>primarily school students, with some adults --each year, and public
>programs
>(films, lectures, ethnic music or other cultural programs.)
>
>I am to prepare a brief memo on the value of the museum-related programs
>[museum exhibits and collections, museum education, public programs]  to
>the
>institution and community.  Of course, as the word "value" can also hint
>at,
>there is also a budget/financial piece of this question.  Some program
>areas
>bring in money (museum education in particular, which also brings in
>something like 85% of our audience) although it may not cover the staff and
>other direct program costs.  My sense in general is that in small and
>medium
>museums and institutions programs/admissions fees don't cover expenses.
>
>Some trustees are connected to the museum/program area.  Some are
>relatively
>new and don't have strong feelings that I know of.  And a few trustees are
>attracted to the model of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania (formerly
>a
>museum and research library/archive) which a couple of years ago closed its
>museum and redefined itself solely as a research library/archive,
>transferred its thousands of artifacts to another museum, and decided to
>(theoretically) limit "exhibits" to display of selected documents or
>materials about the HSP itself.
>
>And I need to have this memo in early next week!   Your thoughts on
>explaining these issues to those with a less direct connection will be
>helpful.
>
>Thanks!
>
>Robert Tabak
>Director of Programs
>Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies
>
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