Bob,
I *absolutely* agree that we should charge for special programs/events,
especially those that cost the museum (whether it be extra staff time or
otherwise) to provide.  I was more wondering about general admission- when
the museum would be open whether anyone shows up or not.

On Wed, Dec 15, 2010 at 12:57 PM, Pickering, Bob
<[log in to unmask]>wrote:

> A case can be made for charging and not charging. My experience is that
> people don't necessarily value things for which they do not pay. They also
> have no vested interest in showing up even if they've signed up.  Even a
> nominal cost creates some personal connection. Also, do you think offering
> only free programs has an impact on your own staff?
>
> Good luck!
>
> Bob
>
> Robert B. Pickering, PhD
> Senior Curator, Gilcrease Museum;
> Applied Professor, Museum Science and Management
> University of Tulsa
> 1400 N. Gilcrease Museum Rd
> Tulsa, OK  74127
> (918) 596-2706 Office
> (918) 596-2770 Fax
> (918) 805-4780 Cell
> [log in to unmask]
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
> Behalf Of Casandra Karl
> Sent: Wednesday, December 15, 2010 9:34 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
>  Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Admission pros and cons
>
> Hello all!
>
> I recently had a discussion with the Director of a small local historical
> museum regarding the pros and cons of charging an admission fee to museum
> visitors (she casually asked for my opinion and it turned into a *huge*
> discussion).  She argued that charging admission would reduce visitorship
> and not really generate much income anyway (I actually agree with the second
> point somewhat).  I argued that charging a small amount (say $2) would
> increase the perceived value of the experience and give the museum a
> bargaining chip by offering "free admission" to members or for special days
> or events.
>
> Does your museum charge admission?  What factors influenced the decision of
> whether or not to charge admission at your institution?  If you can cite
> evidence/resources to back-up your position, that would be helpful as well.
>
> Thank you.
>
> -Cass
>
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