We prety much follow Ross Weeks sytem - except honoraia recieved during a normal
working day for presenting stuff on or about the museum, or its focus.  In those
times we think its a bit like double-dipping and that the money ought to got to
the museum.
Greg Koos
McLean County Museum of History

Ross Weeks wrote:

> Gail asks about payments to museum staff as honoraria for lectures,
> workshops, etc.
>
> (Note that there is no such word as "honorariums.")  An honorarium is not
> the same as "compensation" or a set fee for services rendered.  That is why
> it has its name; it is honorific.
>
> I believe museums should encourage their professional staff to accept
> "outside" assignments, and let the individuals decide how to handle an
> honorarium.  Unless there is a compelling reason to do otherwise, the museum
> should need no policy on accepting honoraria.   At a state museum agency, we
> wrestled with this and the arguments were just not worth the time spent.
> Lower paid staff needed the extra income when it was available, which was
> only rarely.   At this private museum, it's a matter of personal choice.
>
> (1) It should be accepted.  Rejecting the payment sends a message that the
> professional's employer is giving away the services of its staff.  No museum
> should be sending that message. (2) It can, if the recipient wishes, be
> given over to the museum as a gift.  (3) If the recipient chooses, it can be
> kept and reported to the IRS as income, or given to some other charitable
> organization.
>
> Government institutions do tend to restrict the acceptance of honoraria or
> any other kind of payment for services rendered.  On the other hand, faculty
> at government universities may usually accept such extra income.
>
> I wonder whether these institutions allow their staff to accept the $200
> payment made by the AAM for its MAP surveyors?  That is an honorarium, the
> money comes from the IMLS grant for the MAP program.
> Ross Weeks Jr.
> [log in to unmask]
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: GailFJJMA <[log in to unmask]>
>
> >I am collecting information on museum policies for honorariums paid to
> staff members lectures, workshops, etc.  Would you please share with me
> yours?
> >Thanks.
> >
> >Gail Kana Anderson
> >Assistant Director/Curator of Collections
> >Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art
> >The University of Oklahoma
> >[log in to unmask]
> >405.329.3945.