Key Takeaways Museum Function Policy Issues

1. Key TakeawaysMuseum Function Policy Issues Key Takeaways • Policies should structure and empower museums’ core and enabling functions • Policies can formallystructure commitment to functions by allocating resources time and setting goals • How a policy is developed should take into account its objectives • E.g. Education policies could leverage the input of a museum’s manager (to ensure alignment with the Vision) and staff (to tailor programs to collections and audiences) • Since the State owns all artifacts, policies will be needed to address issues in the handling, conservation, storage, exhibition, and public engagement of artifacts • A central agency can utilize policies to encourage uniform practices throughout the network (e.g. cataloguing) • Policies can establish a clear hierarchy that specifies access to certain museum functions • E.g. A policy could detail permitted roles curators, restorers, and volunteers could play in conservation • Policies can create an inviting environment for external researchers by defining museums’ external relations • E.g. What museums offer researchers, and how those researchers acknowledge support (fees, citation) Policy Examples • National Museum of Wales • Research: Commits to strengthening research capacity and aligning research activities with Vision’s strategic goals • Dissemination:Commits to disseminating research through lectures, conferences, academic and popular work, and a Virtual Museum • Nova Scotia Museum (Network) • Conservation: Requires that sufficient evidence be presented for physical intervention • External Relations: Restricts external conservation efforts, • exceptingemergencies • and revenue generating • opportunities Note: Smaller museums were cited to demonstrate the impact of policies not only at the National Museum but throughout the network.