Several years ago in an interview, Peter Sterling, (director of the Indianapolis Children's Museum, and a true visionary in museums and their role in the community) explained that, in his opinion, the board of directors should not waste their time duplicating the function/work the staff was hired to do, but rather, to hold a more visionary role - look forward and help to predict community trends and changes that would impact on the museum and where it should invest its resources,and hence shape the staff's work on a broader scale.  I've always seen this as an exemplary model of how boards can really help a staff function.

Judy Koke
Exhibit Evaluator
Denver Museum of Natural History
(303) 370-6341
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>>> Jerrie Clarke <[log in to unmask]> 04/08 10:36 AM >>>
A few days ago I put out a question asking how other museums use
exhibits committee and who sits on these committees.  I was surprised,
after some of the strains we've developed, that only 3 people
responded to my question.  (Thank you for responding.)  Do many
museums not use these committees?

My Board of Directors wants to form an exhibits committee.  In my
experience exhibit planning is a function of the staff.  The 3
responders agree with me.  Although the Board will have their way in
the end, I want to let them know they're stepping a little to far into
the management of the Museum ... or am I wrong?

Jerrie



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