[NHCOLL-L:3798] FW: Museum Research Visits

[Del Re, Christine]

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-nhcoll-l at lists.yale.edu [mailto:owner-nhcoll-l at lists.yale.edu]On Behalf Of kwellspring
Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:45 AM
To: NHCOLL-L at lists.yale.edu
Subject: [NHCOLL-L:3790] Museum Research Visits


Dear List Members,

I am curious to know how other museum professionals handle research visits by outside researchers. We recently installed a "research lab" in our facility and are now interested in constructing a set of guidelines to help us manage issues such as:

1.) how much supervision/access to allow professional researchers/students/avocational researchers to objects/lab space/collections storage
[Scher Thomae Dawn] A staff member must be present at all times or assign an intern or responsible volunteer to assist the researcher. Access depends on you and what you feel is a reasonable request. Whatever it is, keep it consistent. Above all do not feel guilty about denied access to some items that are too fragile, valuable or culturally sensitive. Your primary responsibility is to the collection and not to the feelings of the visitor.

2.) what kinds of tools we can and should provide for outside researchers (lighting equipment, tripod, magnification tools, extension cords, etc.)
[Scher Thomae Dawn] Have everything readily available if requested but its always good to inquire if they need anything before their visit.

3.) how much staff time to devote to their supervision and assistance (bearing in mind that our full time staff = 1 person)
[Scher Thomae Dawn] See number one above.  Remember, you are in control and can set the hours for access. Let them know ahead of time what those hours are so they can plan for it.  

4.) how to imbue visitors with a sense of responsibility for the objects they utilize (signing a form, listening to a lecture, etc.) and how to emphasize the importance of receiving notice of publications resulting from the research[Scher Thomae Dawn] .
 
Most researchers are very courteous, careful and conscientious.  If there are things you want them to do, put it on the research application form that they sign before arrival or upon arrival.
 
Dawn Scher Thomae
Milwaukee Public Museum
Anthropology Department


I appreciate any feedback you see fit to send along. 

Thank you.

Kate Wellspring


_____________________________________
Kate Wellspring
Collections Manager
Amherst College Museum of Natural History
Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 542-2165
www.amherst.edu/museumofnaturalhistory




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