Although I think a publicized no-tipping policy is a good one, and that
anyone receiving a tip should be encouraged to pass it along to the museum, I agree
with the one dissenter who wonders what harm there is in a museum guard or
other employee accepting a tip personally.

I think if I wrote a policy on tipping, I would say: (a) actively soliciting
tips is forbidden and could result in dismissal; (b) if offered a "surprise"
tip, tell the tipper that we are encouraged to pass tips along to a general
fund; (c) if the tipper insists that the tippee accept the tip personally
(remembering that the "customer is always right"), accept it with thanks and report
it on your income tax!

I would be interested in seeing any argument about why a museum employee
should not accept a tip if the tipper insists.

Full disclosure:  Many years ago a man gave me a $5 bill after I agreed to
expedite his photo order.  I've always felt vaguely guilty about this,
especially since I forgot to report it on my taxes (please don't report me to the IRS).
 I am now considering, after all these years, dropping $5.00 into the
donations box at the museum entrance.

On perhaps three occasions, I've received small gifts from professional
colleagues.  One was from a Japanese man who had a whole bag of similar gifts
(wrapped) to distribute to museum staff who helped him out, and I felt it would be
culturally injudicious to refuse.  I'd welcome any discussion of such gifts.

David Haberstich

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