In our museum, we do not have a dress code for employees. We all do many different things (exhibit construction, special events, gardening, etc)that we dress for the occasion. On the whole it is casual professional. When we train volunteers we explain from the beginning that if you are to be interacting with the public that casual professional attire is required. If you are working behind the scenes then there is more flexibility. The dress recommendations are included in writing in materials our docents receive. Heidi Campbell-Shoaf, Curator Historical Society of Frederick County 24 East Church Street Frederick, Md. 21701 www.hsfcinfo.org -----Original Message----- From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Via, Marie Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2006 11:28 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: dress code for employees and interns Our museum is debating the pros and cons of adopting a dress code for museum staff. This has come up primarily because a few interns, volunteers and younger staffers are wearing shorts, rubber flip-flops, spaghetti straps, revealing necklines, hats, etc., to work. In the past, supervisors have simply talked one-on-one with a person they felt was inappropriately dressed for his or her particular position, emphasizing that they were doing themselves a disservice if people don't take them serious. And obviously there was some degree of difference in the expectations of a front-end vs. behind-the-scenes people. A few people have not responded well to this and cite the absence of a written policy. (*sigh*) Obviously, we need to find a way to balance our identity as an institution that fosters creativity and personal expression with our commitment to professionalism. I'd appreciate hearing feedback on this situation and hearing from anybody whose museum has a written dress code. Marie Via, Director of Exhibitions Memorial Art Gallery 500 University Avenue Rochester, NY 14607 585-473-7720, x3012 http://mag.rochester.edu ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).