Don't know if this is what is envisioned for you, but our historic site, Rancho Los Cerritos in Long Beach, CA, was put under the direction of the library system when first purchased in 1956. Because of this administrative connection and because the historic home had a library space (the family's personal library), museum staff began collecting books on CA history. We've since become a research library, with many rare books as well as new materials. We are catalogued into the library's main system and anyone using the library's data base will find our materials. One of the advantages being under the library: they understood our educational mission and were very supportive of research, archival collections, educational programming (vs. recreational programming). A disadvantage: as the library's budget was cut year after year, the museum became a true stepchild, placed on the lowest rung of the ladder for additional funds. This was somewhat understandable, as the library was protecting its book budget, but it didn't do the library any good. I think a "marriage" of the two institutions can work as long as everyone is clear, up front, as to how the two will be administered, where priorities will fall, etc.; and as long as you always maintain the appropriate professional staff for both services. If this is helpful and you want to talk more, I'm at "[log in to unmask]" Ellen Calomiris, Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site, Long Beach, CA