Yesterday, I suggested everyone read "Exhbiting a New Enthusiasm:
Demographic chagnes are bringing boom times to America's museums," in The
Washignton Post National Weekly Edition, pg 29.  It relates to the comments
below.

I would also suggest The 21st Century Nonprofit: Remaking the Organization
in the Post-Government Era by Paul B. Firstenberg.  It is published by the
Foundation Center.  Part 3 addresses approaches to expanding a non-profit's
revenue base, including "Converting to a For-Profit Enterprise."

Perhaps it is time we all take another look at that dirty world of
money-making.


------
Robert Handy
Brazoria County Historical Museum
museum_bob
[log in to unmask]
http://www.bchm.org

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From:   D Mitchell[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent:   Thursday, July 30, 1998 9:27 AM
To:     [log in to unmask]
Subject:        Re: The Value of an M.A. - $7.25/hr?

Just a few thoughts about wage rage.

If it is possible to pay decent wages, make money, by running a museum like
a business why arent there more for profit museums?

I dont believe that there is any business that is subject to review for
what
it pays its employees.  Most business profit and non profit use the market
system to decide wages.  If they get qualified people applying for jobs at
lower wages they will hire them.  Isnt that like saving money in acquiring
any other service a museum uses?  People are paid more in development and
as
directors because it is more difficult for some museums to find qualified
applicants.  Its not a matter of the Museum's being worried that people
will
leave, but that they cannot find them in the first place.

Im interested to know how people on this list would prioritize spending in
Museums.  Do you assume there is no limit to income its just a matter of
the
development areas, director, and board trying harder?  If there is a limit
how should increased salaries fall into the priority list?  Above getting
more needed staff? Better care of collections?

I believe only 10-15% of all Museums are accredited by AAM.  Do you believe
that if they included a review of wages....certainly not something a
visiting committee is qualified to review in any detail or accuracy....that
this number would increase?  Would more museums seek accreditiation?

This all said do I believe that the Museum world would benefit if salaries
were higher?  Yes.  Even as a director of a museum i believe that i will
not
be able to continue to work in this profession for much longer because of
the low pay, but that is my choice.  I dont believe that there is anyone
that i have any influence over keeping my pay low.  I could approach my
board and ask for a large salary increase and probably get it, but it is my
job to look at my organization as a whole and decide where that money can
best be spent and frankly there are too many other needs.  Because even if
I
leave there will be another director to fill my shoes.

Dave Mitchell