Dear Ms. Gunn, I hope that things are well in the old toon! I am happy to share how we approach collections research. In fact, I am presenting a program for the Texas Association of Museum's annual conference at the end of the month on how collections research may be done now - utilizing web information. Collections research is NOT explicitly described in the McFaddin-Ward House's Collections Policy, but is central to my job description and is mentioned cursorily in respect to other functions of the department. I have attached the policy for your information. Thank you for asking the question. It does indicate that our policy should be updated - not just for research but for other elements already identified as well. To identify how research is conducted, here are some guidelines... 1) Curator regularly checks scholarly publications and auctions for period evidence and specific objects that relate to those in the original McFaddin-Ward House collection. 2) Curator uses current information to update collections files both in hard copy and digital files. 3) Curator researches the collection and other period evidence in the museum's archives to create exhibits. The results are updated in collections files. a) Curator creates furnishing plans for new exhibit spaces/restorations. b) Curator coordinates interns and volunteers to target subjects to research for regular museum activities and for special projects such as publications. Please feel free to contact me for further particulars. Sincerely, Ware (StA 00) L.W.S. Petznick, Ph.D. - Curator of Collections - McFaddin-Ward House - 725 N. 3rd St. - Beaumont, TX 77701 409-832-1906 - www.mcfaddin-ward.org "That's Mine! Ciphers and Monograms in the McFaddin-Ward House Reserve Collection" is on exhibit in the Visitor Center until April 7th. -----Original Message----- From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ann V. Gunn Sent: Monday, March 03, 2008 11:15 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Research plans Dear List Members I am looking for examples of collections research plans. Does anyone have examples they would be willing to share? And if you have one, is it part of your collections management or forward plan? Thank you -- Ann V. Gunn Lecturer, Museum and Gallery Studies Manager, Museums, Galleries and Collections Institute University of St Andrews School of Art History 9 The Scores St Andrews Fife KY16 9AR Tel. 01334 462356 http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~mgstud/ http://www-ah.st-andrews.ac.uk/mgci/index.html ========================================================= 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).