On 4/6/2013 11:45 AM, Holly Wilhelm wrote:
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I am back after an extended hiatus; please excuse if this has been discussed recently!
 
I am the sole employee at a combined local history museum & historical society. Our collections, archives, and unused board room are on the second floor.  Only the first floor is public.  There are three galleries (one a permanent exhibit, two changing), a research library, a sizable main hall, a back cubby (currently my office), and a back office (which is rented out to another organization).  There is some discussion about where the book shop should be located.  It is a large bookcase with the books displayed on it.  Some board members would like it in the main hallway, others want it to be in the library/research room.
 
I would be interested in hearing from other small museum/historical societies (with comparably limited staff and space) as to their suggestions, along with pros and cons for haveing the book shop 1) in the hallway; or 2) in the library/research room.
 
Many thanks in advance for your suggestions and comments!
 
 
Holly W.. Hodges
Virginia


The county historical society for which I worked many years ago had the gift shop/book shop located in the entry area to the museum, across from the front desk. The museum was in an 1860s home that was added on to to make an exhibit/reception area. that was connected to the added on library research area via an entry foyer. The book shop/gift shop area was right as you walk into the museum, and right where you had to walk out.
There was a small book sale nook right as you walked into the library from which donated/non-collection books were sold for fund-raising.
The big con against the book shop being in the library is the obvious possibility of collection books going out through the book shop. If the book shop only sold new items that were obviously different than anything that might be in the collection that would be one thing, But you would still need well trained staff who know the inventory and can tell the difference. That's why I would be concerned about a book shop being in the library itself when there's a better alternative.
I think the other key is visibility: gift shops are always at the entrance or exit for a reason.
And if there's only one person, then the location should be where that person can easily take care of the shop and watch it as much as possible.

Just my two cents.

Scott Peters

-- 
Jersely Speaking, 
Minister of trivia, errata and miscellany
----
Founding Trustee, The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County

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"The ordinary distinctions in society are often vague, and imply no just pre-eminence: rank and titles are adventitious things and instead of designating merit or virtue, are frequently the baubles of imbecility, or the sparkling decorations of meretricious pageantry"
William Griffith, 1803

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