A recent article in the Washington Post, "Exhibiting a New Enthusiasm: Across U.S., Museum Construction, Attendance Are on the Rise" (By Jacqueline Trescott, 6/21/98; Page A01) should be required reading for all museum folk.

It's already been mentioned that progressive museums are headed in a new direction.   But what direction is that?   Well, pay attention, guys, The Post will try to explain:  According to Ms. Trescott, "museums are coming into their own as big-time travel destinations, economic engines and gathering places."  This tread in the museum world has been building steam for awhile.  But, having reached its destination, the impact of this philosophy upon the hiring practices in the museum field is notable.

The article goes on to mention a few whirlpools and waves created by this business approach:

"The day when museums are temples is fading..." juxtaposed with "... [the] Memorial [museum] started a happy hour with two bands every Friday night."(!)

"New museums are going up everywhere..."  (Think temporary consultants here, rather than permanent professional museum staff.  Then think unregulated outsourcing--a scary thought.  Just for starters, this has negative repercussions on morale, on  professional standards, on job security, on ....  The recent concerns to this list regarding outsourcing are real.)

"Many [museums] have had to reorganize [and when the dust settles, how many of the professional museum staff are left?] and expand their staffs..."  (But where are they expanding to?  Two words:  "Crowd control."  [This is not completely a bad thing.  For instance, it opens the door wider in order to put one's foot in.  The point here, however, is where are the jobs in the museum field growing?  Crowd control, and other visitor services, for large and some mid-size museums is certainly a currently a significant area.])

It seems to me that there are quite a few new directions emerging in the museum field.  Some are good.  And others are not so good.  This is where the idea of certification *backed by AAM* should come into play.  Many professions (doctors, lawyer, architects, planners, etc.) require that their members earn a certain number of continuing ed credits per year.  Often a lecture, a workshop, or the work one does for a professional committee will count for some, or all, of these credits.  Most of us do these kinds of things all the time, but never get credit (at least, it's not reflected in are salaries or the kinds of positions we are [or aren't] eligible for). What if we could run potential continuing ed credits by AAM, who would then deem them creditworthy or not creditworthy?  And what if these credits were applied toward a professional certification?

I agree with Jennifer, AAM should be doing a lot more for their members. I was in a planning program for awhile, and I can tell you that the American Planning Association works really hard for their contingency.  And, the AIA does some interesting things for their members, as well, including various partnership projects, workshops, etc., with affiliated professions--at least in DC they do--and their professionals do get continuing ed credit for these activities.

I think Bob and Jennifer are headed in the right direction--I'm willing to sign up.  But I also think a firm commitment has to be made by AAM,   Any work done by members in isolation from the authority of AAM will be for not, I'm afraid.  In addition, more than just three members have to be willing to make it happen.

The Post article also claims that, "The resulting surge in museum popularity is easing some of the perpetual money problems facing cultural institutions at a time when federal funding has been cut back..."  In truth, so far I have not seen this happening (has anyone else?), but if trends continue, we may see it sometime down the road. If so, wouldn't AAM also be in a much better position to meet the needs of its members? If the membership is willing to do the legwork, can't AAM put its weight behind those efforts?

Because of this new "business" orientation, the things that make a museum a museum are gradually eroding away.  And that is definitely a scary thought.

Lisa Holt