Well,

This has been interesting especially in light of the fact that for the 2004 
season I was able to purchase and provide my seasonal interpretive staff with 
"uniform" polo shirts with recognizable logo on them. Every staff person was 
delighted and proud to wear the shirt. They remarked that they felt more like a 
team, that they were obviously recognizable as Museum Staff, and that they 
were able to wear something that was not available for purchase in the store. 
(There were other products in the Museum Store that bore the same logo, but not 
the specific polo shirts worn by the staff.

Previously there had been a color preference for dress code, but not 
necessarily style. Without an obvious name tag, staff members looked like the visiting 
public, and felt like they did not stand out.  I am pleased to report how 
happy they were to receive the shirts.  We provided two for each, and also had 
surplus for sale at cost if so desired.

I really don't think that expecting staff members to behave or dress in a 
particular way is insulting or unfair. Policies are usually provided to employees 
upon acceptance of a position, and it is then that the employee should decide 
whether or not it is going to offend them to follow the rules. I agree that 
administration can best serve the public if they also best serve the "front 
line" staff, but as has been mentioned, it's rare that these rules are abruptly 
changed and without consideration for the good of all.

just an aside, I attended parochial schools and lamented wearing a uniform 
until the end of each year when we were allowed to wear almost anything - within 
limits.  Each morning I then labored over just what to wear and how it 
looked. Oh, today, how I wish for the days of uniforms!

Sharon Duane Koomler
Shaker Museum and Library
Old Chatham and Mount Lebanon, New York

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