On Mon, 31 Aug 1998, Olivia S. Anastasiadis wrote:

:| Build it where it makes sense, it is visible, and approachable.  People
:| will appreciate it.

Also, some museums are making the shop space open even during hours
when the museum isn't.  Given the popularity of retail sites such as
the Nature Company, the Discovery Channel Store, the PBS Store of
Knowledge and the Museum Store chains, many of your visitors and
members who purchase at these retail establishments would probably
welcome the opportunity to buy similar merchandise at a store that
benefits their favorite institution.

As to commercializing museums, any site that recruits grant writers
shouldn't have any problem with a gift store.

Of course, I do have a bias in this regard.

Rich Johnson
Director of Marketing
Cotton Expressions Imprinted Apparel
http://www.cottonexpress.com