In Northeast Iowa, a group called 'Resources Plus' exists. It is a consortium of
non-profit cultural institutions. It has approximately 30 members which includes the
museums, libraries, education agencies, university departments (i.e. Culture and
Minorities Center, Public Radio, Art Gallery, Museum, Library) etc., and such in the
area. The group was formed in the mid-80's under an initiative sponsored by the
Smithsonian. It has survived, though not without growing pains. Over the years it has
achieved many goals. It is recognized as an advocate for culturally related activities
and is respected by state and local government, and area industry and commerce. The
group has produced videos, brochures, grant applications, and a scholarship fund in a
cooperative atmosphere with great success.

Among other things, the rough side includes: we all have staffs and budgets that are
pressed to the limit and our commitment to Resources Plus is secondary to these
interests. Meetings are sometimes sparse with participants.

Among other things, the good side includes: a mutually collaborative network of
institutions with a common audience and mission. This encourages collegiality so that
when a threat or opportunity presents itself it is dealt with by group action vs.
singular necessity. A 'strength in numbers' philosophy.

If you are interested in more of the pros, cons and hurdles that this group
experiences I would be glad to refer you to people more knowledgeable and succinct
than myself.

Sincerely,

Terry Vidal
Collections Manager
University Museums and Collections
University of Northern Iowa


elizabeth Nora wrote:
>
> Hello and Happy Holidays!  I have a few questions regarding museum
> collaborations and I am wondering if anyone can provide me with some
> information.  Recently, my museum began to participate in monthly meetings
> for a collaboration that just began.  This group includes mostly educators,
> some directors and curators.  The institutions participating are four
> history museums, a metropolitan park well on its way to being a botanical
> garden, two art museums, and a planetarium. We have met about 5 times now.
> Most of our meetings have concerned what we hope to do, but we have had no
> agendas.  We have just pinpointed three goals for the year 2001 but have no
> committees.  Two of us are fighting for the survival of the group and are
> willing to work hard.  The others are followers.  I am afraid that we are
> going to fail as a group even though the community we live in needs us
> badly.  We are centrally located, being within 3 miles of a rapidly
> dwindling downtown, but neighbors to a growing university, Youngstown State.
>   Here are some questions for those of you who participate in successful
> collaborations.  1.  Have you set up committees or designated individuals in
> leadership roles (i.e. president, vice, secretary, etc.)?  2.  Who else
> should we include?  We have some other arts organizations and also social
> services agencies, schools, etc. nearby.  3.  What kinds of goals did you
> set early, and did you accomplish them?  4.  Did you get media support?  5.
> Did you get funding, or establish yourselves as a separate entity?  6.  Is
> there any advice you want to offer to us.  Whew!  I know that is a lot but I
> hope someone will help.  This is so important to me and it is necessary for
> the community.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Elizabeth J. Nohra
> Assistant Director
> Mahoning Valley Historical Society
> Arms Family Museum of Local History
> 648 Wick Avenue
> Youngstown, Ohio 44502
> 330-743-2589
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Terry Vidal
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http://www.uni.edu/vidal

                If you can read this YOU'RE close enough!
___________________________________________________________________

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