There are a number of museums that have experimented with such facilities. Two
of the most interesting that come to mind are the Glenbow in Calgary and the
Museum of Australia in Melbourne.

The Glenbow had added small "learning centres" to some of their galleries.
these are corners equipped as reading areas, with a limited stock of books,
etc., relative to the gallery in which they are placed.

The AM has built a very comprehensive learning centre around their library,
which incorporates a variety of print and computer-based reference materials,
as well as specimens, including some live ones, such as one of the gigantic
Queensland Cockroaches, which have to be seen to be believed. The centre is
HEAVILY used.

Harry Needham
Canadian War Museum