Cameron - Thank you for your inquiry.

>I am currently researching the development of an Object Loan Kit or
>Traveling Trunk program.
>I would appreciate hearing from those of you who have any knowledge in
>conceptualization, development and
>implementation of such a program or worked in a institution where an
>active outreach program exists.
>
>Recomended reading would also be helpful

The OMNH has a very extensive outreach program of traveling trunks &
exhibits: over 750 sites at museums, libraries. schools, malls etc., in
16 states.  I will have my asstistant, Jane Tague, send you relelvent
materials. "Innovations In Outreach" was a session devoted to outreach at
this fall's Annual Meeting of the Mountain Plains Museum Association.
Each speaker provided "10 Tips" about starting an outrteach program, as
well as addrional information about strategies, evaluation, etc.  Mine
are listed below.  I also suggest that you contact Dr. Stefan Sommer at
the Idaho Museum of Natural History, Idaho State Univiversity:
[log in to unmask] and Marian Lagan at the University of Nebraska Sate
Museum:  [log in to unmask]

One of the best refernces for traveling exhibits is A HANDBOOK FOR THE
TRAVELLING EXHIBITIONIST by Barbara tyler and Victoria Dickenson, 1977,
Canadian Museums Association.

Please let me know how your program develops and please call me or Jane
if we can be of additional assistance.  Thank you.

INNOVATIONS IN OUTREACH
1997 Annual Meeting
of the
Mountain Plains Museum Association
Saturday, October 4,1997
10:45 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

"Ten Tips" for Developing an Outreach Program-Peter B. Tirrell

1. Review your mission & vision: Is outreach part of it? Should it be?
Develop an outreach program when there is a need or responsibility to do
so (e.g., a state museum must serve the communities all over the state).
is it part of your strategic plan?

2. Remember that outreach is a format that allows you to reach
objectives, it is not a goal unto itself (e.g., you reach more people at
new sites, but you may be spreading the same message).

3. Make sure the outreach supports ongoing programs or filis a niche. Use
focus groups and information in material such a school curriculum guides
to select subject and concept areas.

4. Used a design that is durable, easily transported or shipped, and
physically appropriate for host sites (e.g., schools).

5. Form partnerships with other institutions such as museums, schools,
libraries, civic groups (e.g., Rotary), and businesses (e.g., banks).

6. Use members of your host sites for planning and evaluat..on.

7. Use an object-oriented format.

8. Combine interesting topics with basic concepts.

9. Provide an opportunity for the host site to modify ancl add its own
material and interpretation to the outreach program.

10. Prepare a business plan that assesses the pros, cons, and impact of
the outreach project (e.g., will developing outreach mean a cutback in
on-site programs?).

11. Document all data on the program (e.g., statewide location of sites)
for reports, publicity, and fund raising purposes.


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