150 likes | 308 Views
Libraries & Museums. A Good Combination or a BIG Headache? Ailesia Franklin, Executive Director Dunkirk Public Library The Glass Museum. Why a Museum?. Preserve heritage Enhance local community Creative use of space Public outcry Because no one else will. Why the Library.
E N D
Libraries & Museums A Good Combination or a BIG Headache? Ailesia Franklin, Executive Director Dunkirk Public Library The Glass Museum
Why a Museum? • Preserve heritage • Enhance local community • Creative use of space • Public outcry • Because no one else will
Why the Library • Best source of information • Historical preservation • Experience in organization • How will it benefit the library
How do I get started? • Form a Focus groups to gain public opinion, weigh pros and cons, get budget estimates then present the results to your library board. Be sure to consider yearly upkeep and supplies needed • Contact Local Government for budget constraints and check with state codes IC 36-12-3-4 Establishment of libraries, branches, or stations; museum Sec. 4. (a) The library board may establish a sufficient number of: (1) libraries; (2) branch libraries; or (3) stations; that are conveniently located to serve the residents of the library district within the resources available. (b) The library board may provide suitable rooms, structures, facilities, furniture, apparatus, and other articles necessary for the thorough organization and efficient management of the libraries. (c) The library board may provide for the establishment and operation of a museum to serve the residents of the library district. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.49.
Advertise for a public meeting for any public works involved (such as buying a building, etc.) • Form a committee to set policy and begin fund raising • Start organizing and begin collection of museum items • Set operation hours and organize staff and volunteers • Advertise and inform the public of the opening
What software should I use? • PastPerfect Museum Software - www.museumsoftware.com • Re:discovery Museum Software - www.rediscov.com • OpenCollection - www.opencollection.org • MCMS (Museum Collection Management Software) - www.tradec.com • Museolog (FREE from UNESCO) - www.museolog.unesco.kz
Who, what & how? • Volunteers, volunteers, volunteers • Staff strengths • Teen groups • Senior Aide agencies • Community Service • Friends group • Budgeting
Donations & Discretions • Keep it all? • How to say NO, nicely • When to buy vs. donations • What to do with the rest • Identification and values • Friends anyone? Sales
Advertising & Promotion • Library/Museum website • State websites • Two for the price of one coupons • AAA Auto Club • Local Tourism Bureau • State Historical Agency • Local Historical Society • Local Cable advertising • Being selective
Grants & Funding • Budget concerns • State Government Rules • Operating Fund vs. Museum Fund • Grants • Institute of Museum & Library Services • State library grants • Foundation grants • Business grants • Private grants
Pros and Cons Pros – why a museum • Increase library’s importance to the community • Attracts tourist • Preserves heritage • What else can we do with this collection of items • Public interest Cons – why not? • Cost prohibitive • Not enough space • Not enough interest • Too much of a good thing • Money shortages for the library
Contact Information Ailesia Franklin Executive Director Dunkirk Public Library 127 West Washington Street Dunkirk, Indiana 47336 Phone & Fax: (765) 768-6872 E-mail: dunkirklibrary@netscape.net Web: www.dunkirkpubliclibrary.com