[NHCOLL-L:587] Educational Use of Collections

[Bob Glotzhober]

This is the second and last major question I am asking the list-server group
to help our museum with some long-range strategy planning and benchmarking.
I will be responding to those who contributed information on the first
question as soon as that data is put together (early June).  Thanks to the
18 folks who responded!

This question deals with use of collections in educational programs.  Again,
I'll not report results in any manner that will show what a specific museum
is doing or is not doing, and all specific comments will be kept private.

1.  	Your name, museum/organization/institution name and location.

2.	Do you ever use collection items in educational programs, and if so
how are these selected (criteria) and how do you deal 
	with their potential damage or destruction through long-term use?
This is a key question, reflecting the dilemma between 
	associating the visitor with real objects while protecting those
real objects.

3.	Do you maintain separate categories of artifacts/objects
		____ Permanent collections
		____ Education collections that can be handled and/or used
by the public
		____ Props that may be real items but which are not "rare"
and are not cataloged in either of the above methods
		____ Reproductions of "real" items

4.	How do you maintain mutual understanding and cooperation between
education staff and collections staff, given the dilemma 
	mentioned above?

5.	Do your want an e-mail report of the summary of findings from this
survey?
	If yes, please provide your e-mail address.

=======================================================
Robert C. Glotzhober
Curator, Natural History		Phone:  614/ 297-2633
Ohio Historical Society		Fax:      614/ 297-2233
1982 Velma Avenue			e-mail:	bglotzhober at ohiohistory.org
Columbus  OH  43211-2497

Visit the Web Site for the Ohio Historical Society
	http://www.ohiohistory.org
Visit the Web Site for the Ohio Odonata Survey
	http://mcnet.marietta.edu/~odonata/index.html