The discussion was about why museum salaries are so low.  I merely
pointed out that if museums were a popular form of leisure activity
(research indicates they are not) that there would be more money
available for salaries.

It is not only "kids" who want to have fun and socialize- most research
has been conducted on adult visitors and non-visitors.  One may have the
most notable intentions but if the public ignores the museum those lofty
goals will never be realized.

I am not saying, either, that some museums haven't started the paradigm
shift, there arte certainly many good examples  but until public
perception of museums change I think you can expect relatively low
salaries and funding levels.  All that has to happen is that the public
get so enthused about museum going they call their local, state, and
federal politicians requesting increased funding!  The "we've always done
it this way, because we know what is best attitude" will not generate the
grass roots support needed.

On Fri, 18 Jul 1997,Joanne Kluessendorf wrote:

>       Re Christopher Whittle's comment:
>   <Most people do not go to museums to learn they go to socialize and
> have fun.  Learning is third on the list.  There are those that like
> museums the way they are- these are the 15%.>
>
> Socializing and fun are two of the main things kids (especially junir &
> senior high school kids) want from their time in school, but schools, and
> socity in general, would be remiss if that is all they offered students.
> The same goes for museums.
>
> Dr. Joanne Kluessendorf
> Dept. of Geology, University of Illinois
> 1301 W. Green St., Urbana, IL 61801
> phone: (217) 367-5916; fax: (217) 244-4996; e-mail: [log in to unmask]
>

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Christopher Whittle                         College of Education &
Box 72119                          Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
Albuquerque, NM 87195                       University of New Mexico
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