What part do museum visitors play in caring for museum collections? Should museums play a role in helping educate the public about the issues facing collections care?
Some museum visitors may wonder why an exhibit area looks so dark. Other visitors may miss seeing their favorite watercolor on view in a gallery. Some museum enthusiasts wonder why a museum would keep a large percent of its collections in storage, completely inaccessible to the general public.
A museum can teach visitors about the effort it takes to preserve a museum collection by answering some of the frequently asked questions about collections care. A small additional sign in an exhibit can explain that the lighting is dark to prevent objects from fading. If museum staff members are educated about the reasons for rotating light-sensitive objects, then they can answer questions from visitors about why a favorite drawing or watercolor is in storage.
There are many other small ways to help educate the public about the effort involved in preserving a museum collection. By offering learning opportunities about collections care, museums can help visitors further connect to their collections.
Does your museum or library have a good way to expand a visitor’s knowledge of collections care?
