I came on board as the director of a small museum a little over a year
ago.  It has a small staff, and a lot of volunteers.

An issue I am asking the net is how do you change volunteers attitude
that the museum is not there own personal toy?

The volunteers were not wearing gloves in the textile and collection
area.  For example, an individual working with the photograph collection
does not wear gloves.  Common sense would tell you not to handle negatives
with bear fingers, but that person mauls the pictures.  I put signs up for
all folks dealing with the collection to wear gloves, all are except the
photograph volunnteer.

The museum sent  the person a conservation class.  However, the individual
states no one has ever told her to wear gloves after more than ten years.  I
cannot beleive that.  The person still insist they will not wear gloves.  I
had the registrar talk to the person, and the commennt again was gloves will
not be worn.

I also talked with the individual briefly about it. And my advise was
ignored. I therefore, sent a letter saying to wear gloves, or their
volunteer efforts at the museum were no longer required. I was told that
maybe I should have said, the person could work some place else, but with a
small museum -- the museum is a toy, and that was that person's "baby."  I
was left with only to let the person go.  Any comments on this?  Volunteers
in this location have so much concern, control and when a
new director comes on board -- it seems they are fighting change.  But change to
save the collection.  It is our job to preserve, not destroy and use the
collection
as personal toys.  Is anyone or did anyone face this issue?

Then, to me photographs are the most sensitive, fragil object(s) in the
collection.
Gloves are required, no ifs or buts about it.  Does anyone know how the ten
years of handling the negatives and prints with fingers be reversed.   Can
negatives be cleaned without damaging them or is the entire collection gone?
Suggestions or comments are appreciated?

Thanks.

John Martinson