There is an undercurrent of suspicion that keeps popping up in the responses
to this post. Specifically, some write as if downsizings are the work of
sinister administrators at the museums, well-paid men and women just waiting
for an excuse to terminate employees. The economy has been going down for
months, and went into the pits after Sept. 11.
Even in the rural parts of this nation, visitors began staying away in
droves from their area museums after Sept. 11. In fact, they are spending
only when it is necessary. Maybe that will change gradually. So far,
however, we aren't seeing it.
It seems unprofessional to accuse the Shedd's administrators (who, according
to the news article, had taken voluntary pay cuts earlier this year) of
mismanagement without knowing the circumstances they were forced to deal
with. Convincing evidence that paid admissions were going to be far worse
than expected, i.e., the aftermath of Sept. 11, demands action at the top.
What is the source of the generalized suspicion of museum administrators?
Since September 11 we have had evidence of more than one control freak
running a museum. The Shedd is well managed, or it would not have been so
successful in recent years. Its priorities seem to be in order: protect
the collection and serve the visitors who pay the bills. Fewer visitors
means fewer visitor service personnel; unfunded education programs means
cutting them down for the time being. A third priority might have suggested
a strenuous fundraising effort to help rebuild the staff (e.g., to endow
educational programs).
Getting back to the question: why do so many museum people mistrust those
at the helm? Because they are from the world of business, or are mainly
fundraisers?
Ross Weeks Jr.
Historic Crab Orchard Museum & Pioneer Park
Tazewell, Va.
http://histcrab.netscope.net
----- Original Message -----
From: "Pamela Sezgin" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2001 4:57 PM
Subject: Re: Shedd slashing its staff; other museums pinched
> Dear Indigo,
>
> Thanks for sharing the article about the Shedd.
>
> I don't think museums or other businesses are really
> "casualties" of the current crisis. I think these businesses and
institutions are USING the current crisis as an excuse to do layoffs, scale
back, or ask for government help because they were in trouble BEFORE
> September 11th!!!!!
>
> The real issues are about management. If a business or a non-profit has
good, responsible management, they won't get into such a mess.
>
> The education and visitors services people are the last people they should
be laying off. How will they bounce back without enough staff in these
areas?
>
> Why don't the top administrators take pay cuts and consolidate their own
jobs for a less top heavy and leaner operation?
>
> Just my two cents.
>
> Pamela Sezgin
> Back from Bulgaria
>
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