I have some concerns.  As a relatively new museum professional (three years
experience) my understanding is that open storage can lead to some problems.
First of all, I dont know about anyone else but I have found that after my own
museum's renovation which expanded our space three times so that we had more
storage and could leave the old "Grandma's Attic" display method behind, that
the locals were somewhat disappointed in the change.  They expected everything
to remain the same.  So wouldn't it follow that if you began a policy of open
storage, the public would gravitate again toward their preferences for
"grandma's attic?" Isn't part of our responsibility as professionals to educate
the public on good museum practices.  I just cant envision open storage as a
good museum practice.  Am I mis-interpreting what you mean by "Open Storage?'
To me it just brings to mind the image of little to no interpretation of the
artifacts with no teaching purpose.  Just random objects lying out for the
public's curiousity.  Could somebody answer my concerns?

Thank you for your time on this issue.

Ammie Goss
Pioneer Woman Museum
701 Monument
Ponca City, OK 74604
580-765-6108
email [log in to unmask]


Lee Langston-Harrison wrote:

> Hi everyone . . . please discuss this issue of open storage on the list . .
> . we're interested in hearing current opinions, especially from those who
> went that route several years ago.  I really love the storage systems at
> the Wallace gallery in Col. Williamsburg . . . would be interested in how
> it's working on a daily basis.
>
> Can we start a dialogue?!  Thanks, Lee :)
>
> Lee Langston-Harrison
> Director of Curatorial Operations
> Montpelier, Home of James & Dolley Madison
> Montpelier Station, VA 22957
> (540) 672-0007
> [log in to unmask]
>
> ----------
> From: Sally Shelton <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Open storage
> Date: Monday, February 08, 1999 9:20 AM
>
> Hi, MUSEUM-L people. I received the following request for info from a
> colleague and thought I'd post it for your input and comments. Thanks in
> advance for your help and expertise.
>
> Cheers, Sally Shelton
> National Museum of Natural History
> <[log in to unmask]>
>
> We at the Peab. are interested in exploring open viewing storage systems
> that allow the public to see more of the collection than normally they
> would encounter in an exhibition.  This idea of course is developed
> differently by different institutions according to their collections
> needs.  "Open storage" was in vogue some years ago and seems to be making
> a comeback (if I read trends correctly).  Anyhow, what I would like is
> titles of references that might come to mind on the subject.  Can you
> think of any you have seen?  Thanks in advance.
>
> Larry
>
> -----------------------
> Lawrence J. Flynn
> Assistant Director
> Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology
> (617) 496-3945
> ----------