I am not a frequent reader of web related questions on Museum-L, the subject has never really been in my area of responsibility.  As of Groundhog's Day, however, I am an real live director and a topic has come up that I vaquely recall seeing somewhere before, so please excuse the
possible repost and email me off list if this topic has been covered before.

Some folks on my new board seem to want a "Member's Only" section for our web site.  A site that is mostly up, but is still being improved and changed. (a condition all web sites should always be in, that is their nature) My sense is that having a member's only section would be a
great dea lof work (getting membership database in condition and online for screening, which, btw, would require extra server space, therefore potentially higher fee) for not a lot of return.  My sense is also that there are few museums who have gone down that road, at least among
the sites I have visited and there must be a reason for this.

My questions:

How many museum web sites have member's only sections?

If yes, how have they worked out in terms of time and resources invested versus benefit to members or recruiting new membership?

If you have looked into this option and rejected it, why?

As I said, answer on or off list.  Your choice.


Matthew White
Executive Director
American Precision Museum
196 S. Main Street
P.O. Box 679
Windsor, VT 05059
802/674-5781
[log in to unmask]

This is an official query.  The lack of an opinion expressed herein does reflect the lack of opinion of my employer.

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