This is probably really obvious, but do you discuss the issue of display
with your donors before they sign, and explain to them that their object
will only occasionally go on display? And does your contract reinforce that?
I have found that this is one of the most common reasons for donors to
become dissatisfied if it is not explained to them beforehand - if it is, no
problem. Of course, they may decide not to donate, but at least you will be
spared this kind of upset in the future, and everyone is clear about what
the donation involves.
Cheers
Julia
Julia Clark
Manager, Interpretation & Collections
Port Arthur Historic Site
-----Original Message-----
From: Michael A. Lewis [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, 21 June 2001 5:35 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: "I want it back" -- what to do?
on 6/20/2001 1:04 PM, Christine Dwyer at [log in to unmask]
wrote:
> I feel that the only solution is to refuse, but that decision may
be taken
> away from me if these officials get involved. Any suggestions?
You get to choose!
Legally, the donor has no standing. By signing the donor
agreement, the
donor agreed to transfer ownership to the museum. Your bosses have
no legal
standing to force you to return the object to the donor.
That having been said, there is the issue of the value of the
object to
the collection vs. the value of good relationships with the public
and the
public perception of your institution.
If the object is of high value to your collections, then you are
justified in insisting that it stay in the collections, whether or
not it is
on display.
If the value of the object to your collections is marginal or
nil, then
you must weigh that value against the ill will generated by the door
if you
refuse his or her request. You can make a case for deaccessioning
the object
and returning it to the donor, without compromising your position.
Don't worry about setting a precedent and all that. This is a
single
case that will be resolved for the good of the institution.
Michael A. Lewis
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