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Our site is a good example of this quandary. They had ragtime experts, but not historians or administrators running the place and it almost floundered. My experience was in operations and I had researched enough of the background of Ragtime and their collections to prove that I could learn it, but that they needed a historian/administrator to get the site back up and running.

Use examples like this (others are around) to say to the interview panel why experience is better than content. We are trained historians, we can get the content with the skills we have!

Victoria Love, Site Administrator
Scott Joplin House State Historic Site, DNR
2658 Delmar Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63103
314-340-5790 314-340-5793 (fax)
http://www.mostateparks.com/scottjoplin.htm

Mark your Calendar!
Celebrating 15 years of keeping Ragtime alive!!
Saturday, February 10 - Rosebud Ball featuring The Skirtlifters - dance lessons begin at 6pm and concert at 7pm.
Sunday, February 11– Rags to Rap – Author and Entertainer, Sule Greg Wilson, takes you on a musical exploration of the importance of the tradition of syncopation from Ragtime to current music trends. This interactive program will get your toes tapping and hands drumming. (with support from the Regional Arts Commission)
Sunday, February 25—”City of Gabriels: The History of Jazz in St. Louis” Author Dr. Dennis Owsley presents St .Louis jazz history from 1895-1973. He will be signing copies of his new book of the same title. Performance by Reggie and Mardra Thomas. (with support from Regional Arts Commission)

----- Forwarded by Vicky Love/DSP/MODNR on 02/05/2007 10:58 AM -----

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There are 3 messages totalling 815 lines in this issue. Topics of the day: 1. CFP: International Cultural Heritage Informatics Meeting 2. There is no silver bullet; there are (almost) no jobs 3. Museum Directors ========================================================= 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). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sun, 4 Feb 2007 12:07:19 -0800 From: "J. Trant" <[log in to unmask]> Subject: CFP: International Cultural Heritage Informatics Meeting (apologies for any duplication; please forward where appropriate.) International Cultural Heritage Informatics Meetings October 24-26, 2007 Toronto, Ontario, Canada http://www.archimuse.com/ichim07/ CALL FOR PARTICIPATION: DEADLINE APRIL 30, 2007 The bi-annual International Cultural Heritage=20 Informatics Meetings (ICHIM) have --since 1991--=20 explored cultural heritage informatics on a=20 global scale, with a strong focus on policy,=20 infrastructure and economic issues. They are=20 attended by senior cultural, governmental,=20 academic and publishing professionals, including=20 library, archives and museum directors and=20 managers, and cultural policy advocates and=20 analysts. You are invited to participate in the 2007=20 edition of the International Cultural Heritage=20 Informatics Meetings. Topics of interest include: Heritage Information & Society * Policy * Law * Economics and Funding * Convergence of Institutions Technologically Mediated Heritage * Resources * Public Programs * Services * Collaborations Cultural Knowledge * Acquisition * Retrieval * Preservation Digital Heritage * Digital Art * Representations * Delivery methods * Evaluation Organizational Policy * Best Practices * Impacts * Innovations Cultural Heritage Information Systems * Research * Prototypes and Models * Innovative Design * Applications * Architectures * Networks Education and Infrastructures * Cultural & Linguistic Diversity * Educating Cultural Heritage Informatics Professionals Session Formats ICHIM meetings include formal papers, round table=20 discussions, seminars, workshops, project=20 briefings and demonstrations. Those interested in=20 participating are encouraged to describe what=20 they wish to convey and to whom; if accepted, the=20 Program Committee will suggest an appropriate=20 delivery format. Deadline for Proposals: April 30, 2007. Submit your proposal using our on-line form. See=20 http://www.archimuse.com/ichim07/ ICHIM07 Program Committee Co-Chairs: David Bearman and Jennifer Trant, Archives & Museum Informatics * Maxwell Anderson, Indianapolis Museum of Art, USA * David Arnold, University of Brighton, UK * Liam Bannon, University of Limerick, Ireland * Jean Fran=E7ois Chougnet, Berardo Museum of Contemporary Art, Portuga= l * Susan Chun, Metropolitan Museum of Art, USA * Costis Dallas, Panteion University, and PRC Group SA, Greece * David Dawson, MLA, UK * Wendy Duff, University of Toronto, Canada * Franca Garzotto, Politecnico di Milano, Italy * Kati Geber, Canadian Heritage information Network, Canada * Margaret Hedstrom, University of Michigan, USA * Harald Kraemer, Universitry of Bern, Switzerland * Ottmar Moritsch, Technisches Museum Wien, Austria * Xavier Perrot, Biblioth=E8que Nationale de France, France * Peter Sigmond, Rijksmuseum, The Netherlands * Jane Sledge, National Museum of the American Indian, USA * Kevin Sumption, Powerhouse Museum, Australia * Nicole Valli=E8res, McCord Museum, Canada * Christabel Wright, Dept of Communications, IT and Arts, Australia To learn more about ICHIM, see past papers=20 on-line at=20 http://www.archimuse.com/conferences/ichim.html -- __________ J. Trant [log in to unmask] Partner & Principal Consultant phone: +1 416 691 2516 Archives & Museum Informatics fax: +1 416 352 6025 158 Lee Ave, Toronto Ontario M4E 2P3 Canada http://www.archimuse.com __________ =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D 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). ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 4 Feb 2007 11:03:21 -0700 From: "Brunner, Lane" <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Re: There is no silver bullet; there are (almost) no jobs This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------_=_NextPart_001_01C74886.C1E0FCE4 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Hi Pam- You ask a difficult question since the answer will depend greatly on the = person interviewing you. I can only speak for my preferences. In our = setting, finding a person with specific content knowledge AND real = museum training/experience is extremely rare (we are extraordinarily = fortunate to have Doug Mudd on staff who excels at both). I would much rather have a person with the professional background in = the museum field and educate them about the content (in our case, = numismatics). The foundation to a strong museum is the professional = competency of the staff as opposed to a group of content experts. = Otherwise the museum may flounder with respect to collection management = and documentation, maintaining AAM standards (even if not accredited), = etc. Content experts are often times entranced by the individual = "objects" and not focusing on the larger context of the museum. Now to your question. What would convice an interviewer that you, a = non-content expert, would be the appropriate fit for our museum? (to = paraphrase a bit) First, I would find a subtle way to ask whether they = are looking for a content expert or an experienced museum professional = (of course, we all want both - but that's another story). If they reply = with "museum professional" then wow them with your expertise AND how you = are able to learn new content areas (help them understand how you fit = into both worlds). If they answer with "content expert" then tell them = understand, but ask them why they believe that a content expert may be = the best person for the job (you never know, they may already be replete = with museum professionals and they really need a content expert to = balance their staff - if that's the case, then quite frankly they should = not have wasted your time with an interview). Next, help the interviewer understand your basic skills (sounds like you = have done that already). Then, share specific examples of how you have = learned new content while advancing the museum in a prior position. In = other words, how you can learn new content and apply your professional = skills and training to that new content. Basically, this is an exercise = in displaying your intelligence and adaptability. Never forget that the ability to communicate CLEARLY and CONCISELY is = about as optional as breathing. Never take 8 minutes to give a 30 second = answer...does not matter if you have won the Nobel Peace Prize, it is = very likely that the interviewers really don't care that much...they are = after specifics and unless you know what those are, a rambling monolog = is just a preface as to what it will be like to work with you each = day...a marathon of wanting you to get to the point. Of course, if asked = to expand on a specific accomplishment then amaze them with your = talent...but never forget that during an interview conversation, a = "period" is always better than a "comma." One of the pieces of advice I used to give my grad students (not in the = museum field, mind you, but the biological sciences) is to learn how to = tell a brief story (or joke). I do not mean for the purpose of amusing = the interviewers, but to understand the cadence and timing and to = develop a sense of when to end a topic and when to elaborate. I would = work with them until they felt relatively at ease (sometimes this was = quite challenging for those with English as a second language). It's = okay (and expected) for any interviewee to be nervous - especially in a = competitive field.=20 Pam, I hope some of this helps. Please feel free to call me or send me = an email ([log in to unmask]) if you like. Lane ---------- Lane J. Brunner, Ph.D. Deputy Executive Director, Museum, Library and Research Services American Numismatic Association 818 North Cascade Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Tel: (719) 482-9872 Discover the World of Money at www.money.org -----Original Message----- From: Museum discussion list on behalf of Pamela Silvestri Sent: Sat 2/3/07 1:02 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] There is no silver bullet; there are (almost) no = jobs =20 =20 =20 Great suggestions Lane. And I have a question for you, related to what = you =20 recommend in #4. This had come up in interviews I've had, where I have = to =20 'convince' the interviewer (s) that I can learn about a museum's = collections, =20 etc., despite having little knowledge of the subject matter. Though this = is a =20 little different than what you're referring to in #4, thought perhaps = you and =20 others could provide further insight into this. =20 For example, how could I assure you Lane, that despite what little = knowledge=20 I have of the subject of your collections - that I will become = knowledgeable=20 and be able to properly care for and interpret these collections? =20 Across the board, I have found that museum's are more willing to = consider =20 hiring someone who is an 'expert' in whatever the collections are, but = has no =20 museum background...rather than vice-versa. =20 Though I have demonstrated experience in being able to research and = learn =20 most any subject matter, I have not had success in gaining the = confidence of the=20 interviewer with this. More than not, I have been finding that an = employer=20 is more willing to train the new employee about the museum side of the = work.=20 =20 The way I've presented my 'lack of specific subject knowledge' in=20 interviews, is to state my skills as a researcher, provide examples of = how I've been=20 able learn about a wide array of specific subjects, and that many of = these=20 subjects are unrelated to one another. And then I usually relate this = to specific=20 duties required of collections care and/or interpretation.=20 =20 There have been at least 1/2 dozen positions that I've applied for in =20 museums for which the person who was hired - had little or no museum = experience =20 (had not written grants, catalogued objects, etc) yet had been hired = because of =20 their knowledge of a subject. =20 For me, the 'subject' is not an issue and far easier to learn about and = interpret than would be to have to learn the museum part. I see both as = being a =20 process -we're always going to learn something new. A knowledge/skill = set for=20 collections care and interpretation can be applied to most any subject. = A =20 skilled interpreter can take the most mundane of objects, put a story to = it and=20 turn it into something most fascinating. =20 What else could I do to promote my museum work and gain the confidence = of an=20 employer where I lack the subject knowledge they are looking for? =20 Pam =20 =20 In a message dated 2/2/2007 8:16:14 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, LBr [log in to unmask] writes: This has been a very interesting discussion about job seeking in the field. In reviewing dozens and dozens of resumes and interviewing countless applicants in person and over the phone for assistant, = curator and manager positions for our museum, there are a few pointers I can provide from the employer's perspective. While these thoughts may be categorized as "penetrating glimpses into the obvious," they certainly were not obvious to those seeking employment. Perhaps these are "interviewing 101 - the stuff we forgot our teachers told us" kind of thoughts. 1. Be on time for your interview. Nothing says "I don't really want a job" like keeping your future boss and their boss waiting for you to show up for your interview. Phone interview corollary...be available to answer the phone at the agreed-upon time. 2. Dress appropriately. More than half the people I have interviewed in person have "dressed down" for the interview. Nothing says apathy like showing up in glorified mountaineering gear for a professional position interview. An iron is a worthwhile investment. 3. Show some confidence. Admitting you have been searching for a while for a job is fine. It's no secret that the field is competitive. Just don't whine about it during the interview and lapse into the = pessimistic interviewee. Nothings sours an interview more than no self-confidence.=20 4. Do some research. We are a specialty museum with a rather specific topic. You really can't bluff your way through an interview with generalities. It really shows you are not interested if you have not done at least a little research such as checking the museum's website and learning a little about their particular forte. 5. Review your resume. While most resumes are replete with all the positions held, education received, etc., basic components like an accurate address and telephone number are often overlooked. What does = it tell your prospective employer if your resume contains the wrong = contact information? Again, while the above thoughts are likely obvious to everyone here, more than three-quarters of the applicants I have reviewed have broken more than one of these simple, basic rules. Best of luck to all of you seeking work in the field you love so much. Lane ---------------- Lane J. Brunner, Ph.D. Deputy Executive Director Museum, Library and Research Services American Numismatic Association 818 North Cascade Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Tel: (719) 482-9872 Fax: (719) 634-4085 Discover the world of money at www.MONEY.org =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D 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). =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D 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). ------_=_NextPart_001_01C74886.C1E0FCE4 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable <!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 3.2//EN"> <HTML> <HEAD> <META HTTP-EQUIV=3D"Content-Type" CONTENT=3D"text/html; = charset=3Diso-8859-1"> <META NAME=3D"Generator" CONTENT=3D"MS Exchange Server version = 6.5.7638.1"> <TITLE>RE: [MUSEUM-L] There is no silver bullet; there are (almost) no = jobs</TITLE> </HEAD> <BODY>  Hi Pam- You ask a difficult question since the answer will depend greatly on the = person interviewing you. I can only speak for my preferences. In our = setting, finding a person with specific content knowledge AND real = museum training/experience is extremely rare (we are extraordinarily = fortunate to have Doug Mudd on staff who excels at both). I would much rather have a person with the professional background in = the museum field and educate them about the content (in our case, = numismatics). The foundation to a strong museum is the professional = competency of the staff as opposed to a group of content experts. = Otherwise the museum may flounder with respect to collection management = and documentation, maintaining AAM standards (even if not accredited), = etc. Content experts are often times entranced by the individual = "objects" and not focusing on the larger context of the = museum. Now to your question. What would convice an interviewer that you, a = non-content expert, would be the appropriate fit for our museum? (to = paraphrase a bit) First, I would find a subtle way to ask whether they = are looking for a content expert or an experienced museum professional = (of course, we all want both - but that's another story). If they reply = with "museum professional" then wow them with your expertise = AND how you are able to learn new content areas (help them understand = how you fit into both worlds). If they answer with "content = expert" then tell them understand, but ask them why they believe = that a content expert may be the best person for the job (you never = know, they may already be replete with museum professionals and they = really need a content expert to balance their staff - if that's the = case, then quite frankly they should not have wasted your time with an = interview). Next, help the interviewer understand your basic skills (sounds like you = have done that already). Then, share specific examples of how you have = learned new content while advancing the museum in a prior position. In = other words, how you can learn new content and apply your professional = skills and training to that new content. Basically, this is an exercise = in displaying your intelligence and adaptability. Never forget that the ability to communicate CLEARLY and CONCISELY is = about as optional as breathing. Never take 8 minutes to give a 30 second = answer...does not matter if you have won the Nobel Peace Prize, it is = very likely that the interviewers really don't care that much...they are = after specifics and unless you know what those are, a rambling monolog = is just a preface as to what it will be like to work with you each = day...a marathon of wanting you to get to the point. Of course, if asked = to expand on a specific accomplishment then amaze them with your = talent...but never forget that during an interview conversation, a = "period" is always better than a "comma." One of the pieces of advice I used to give my grad students (not in the = museum field, mind you, but the biological sciences) is to learn how to = tell a brief story (or joke). I do not mean for the purpose of amusing = the interviewers, but to understand the cadence and timing and to = develop a sense of when to end a topic and when to elaborate. I would = work with them until they felt relatively at ease (sometimes this was = quite challenging for those with English as a second language). It's = okay (and expected) for any interviewee to be nervous - especially in a = competitive field. Pam, I hope some of this helps. Please feel free to call me or send me = an email ([log in to unmask]) if you like. Lane ---------- Lane J. Brunner, Ph.D. Deputy Executive Director, Museum, Library and Research Services American Numismatic Association 818 North Cascade Avenue Colorado Springs, CO  80903 Tel: (719) 482-9872 Discover the World of Money at www.money.org -----Original Message----- From: Museum discussion list on behalf of Pamela Silvestri Sent: Sat 2/3/07 1:02 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] There is no silver bullet; there are (almost) no = jobs Great suggestions Lane. And I have a question for you, related to what = you  recommend in #4. This had come up in interviews I've had, where I have = to  'convince' the interviewer (s) that I can learn about a museum's = collections,  etc., despite having little knowledge of the subject matter. Though this = is a  little different than what you're referring to in #4, thought perhaps = you and  others could provide further insight into this. For example, how could I assure you Lane, that despite what little  = knowledge I have of the subject of your collections - that I will become  = knowledgeable and be able to properly care for and interpret these  = collections? Across the board, I have found that museum's are more willing to = consider  hiring someone who is an 'expert' in whatever the collections are, but = has no  museum background...rather than vice-versa. Though I have demonstrated experience in being able to research and = learn  most any subject matter, I have not had success in gaining the = confidence of the  interviewer with this. More than not, I have been finding that an = employer is  more willing to train the new employee about the museum side of = the work. The way I've presented my 'lack of specific subject knowledge'  = in interviews, is to state my skills as a researcher, provide  = examples of how I've been able learn about a wide array of specific subjects,  and that many = of these subjects are unrelated to one another. And then I usually  relate = this to specific duties required of collections care and/or  interpretation. There have been at least 1/2 dozen positions that I've applied for = in  museums for which the person who was hired - had little or no museum = experience  (had not written grants, catalogued objects, etc) yet had been hired = because of  their knowledge of a subject. For me, the 'subject' is not an issue and far easier to learn about = and  interpret than would be to have to learn the museum part. I see both as = being a  process -we're always going to learn something new. A knowledge/skill = set  for collections care and interpretation can be applied to most any subject. = A  skilled interpreter can take the most mundane of objects, put a story to = it  and turn it into something most fascinating. What else could I do to promote my museum work and gain the confidence = of  an employer where I lack the subject knowledge they are looking for? Pam In a message dated 2/2/2007 8:16:14 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  = LBr [log in to unmask] writes: This has  been a very interesting discussion about job seeking in = the field. In  reviewing dozens and dozens of resumes and = interviewing countless  applicants in person and over the phone for assistant, = curator and manager  positions for our museum, there are a few pointers I = can provide from the  employer's perspective. While these thoughts may be categorized as  "penetrating = glimpses into the obvious," they certainly were not obvious to  those = seeking employment. Perhaps these are "interviewing 101 - the stuff  =
we forgot our teachers told us" kind of thoughts. 1. Be on time for  your interview. Nothing says "I don't = really want a job" like keeping your  future boss and their boss waiting for = you to show up for your interview.  Phone interview corollary...be = available to answer the phone at the  agreed-upon time. 2. Dress appropriately. More than half the people I  have = interviewed in person have "dressed down" for the interview. Nothing  = says apathy like showing up in glorified mountaineering gear for a  professional = position interview. An iron is a worthwhile  investment. 3. Show some confidence. Admitting you have been searching  for a = while for a job is fine. It's no secret that the field is  competitive. = Just don't whine about it during the interview and lapse into  the = pessimistic interviewee. Nothings sours an interview more than no  = self-confidence. 4. Do some research. We are a specialty museum with a  rather = specific topic. You really can't bluff your way through an interview  = with generalities. It really shows you are not interested if you have  = not done at least a little research such as checking the museum's  = website and learning a little about their particular forte. 5.  Review your resume. While most resumes are replete with all = the positions  held, education received, etc., basic components like = an accurate address  and telephone number are often overlooked. What = does it tell your  prospective employer if your resume contains the = wrong  contact information? Again, while the above thoughts are likely  obvious to everyone = here, more than three-quarters of the applicants I have  reviewed have = broken more than one of these simple, basic  rules. Best of luck to all of you seeking work in the field you love so  = much. Lane ---------------- Lane J. Brunner, Ph.D. Deputy  Executive Director Museum, Library and Research Services American  Numismatic Association 818 North Cascade Avenue Colorado Springs,  CO  80903 Tel: (719) 482-9872 Fax: (719) 634-4085 Discover  the world of money at www.MONEY.org =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at <A = HREF=3D"http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/">http://www.finalchapte= r.com/museum-l-faq/</A> . 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). </BODY> </HTML> =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D 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). ------_=_NextPart_001_01C74886.C1E0FCE4-- ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 3 Feb 2007 20:49:00 -0800 From: Lucy Sperlin <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Re: Museum Directors I thought we'd have more replies on this one. My own observation is that it would much depend on the personality and character of the individual. There are many people with an historical or anthropological background who can and do operate a non-profit organization in a businesslike way while doing rich and meaningful history. Others, however skilled they are in academic history, do not do well either in business like operation or in making history exciting for the visitor. Conversely, there are people with business backgrounds who understand and appreciate the value of history and can and will learn local or regional history to whatever level is needed for the position, and there are others who will never quite understand what is significant in history and what is not, or why anyone should even care. That said, I suspect that which is more favored may depend on the background of the board members who are doing the hiring, and there are obvious pitfalls either way. Thus, it may be much more important to understand what a specific candidate does not have in their resume than what they do have, and the ramifications of hiring those lacks. Lucy Sperlin Butte County Historical Society Oroville, CA -----Original Message----- From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Brunner, Lane Sent: Saturday, February 03, 2007 4:49 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Museum Directors Hi Frank- It would depend on the structure you have in place within the organization. If you have staff with the requisite professional knowledge, you likely would be better suited to have a museum manager with a business or managerial background - provided they allow the professional staff to exercise their expertise appropriately. If you have a small staff within the organization where everyone is wearing mulitple hats, then it is a judgment call as to whether or not you need the historical background more than business or managerial experience. Just my opinion...your mileage may vary. Lane ---------- Lane J. Brunner, Ph.D. Deputy Executive Director, Museum, Library and Research Services American Numismatic Association 818 North Cascade Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Tel: (719) 482-9872 Discover the World of Money at www.money.org -----Original Message----- From: Museum discussion list on behalf of Frank Kordalski, Jr. Sent: Fri 2/2/07 5:54 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Museum Directors Just out of curiosity, I was wondering which is found more favorable when an organization is looking for a director: someone with a historical-based education, or someone with a business background? -- Frank J. Kordalski, Jr. ========================================================= 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] . 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