Libraries

1
Libraries Museums

• A Good Combination or a BIG Headache?
• Ailesia Franklin, Executive Director
• Dunkirk Public Library
• The Glass Museum

2
Why a Museum?

• Preserve heritage
• Enhance local community
• Creative use of space
• Public outcry
• Because no one else will

3
Why the Library

• Best source of information
• Historical preservation
• Experience in organization
• How will it benefit the library

4
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.

5

• 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

6
What software should I use?

• PastPerfect Museum Software
• - www.museumsoftware.com
• Rediscovery 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

7
Who, what how?

• Volunteers, volunteers, volunteers
• Staff strengths
• Teen groups
• Senior Aide agencies
• Community Service
• Friends group
• Budgeting

8
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

9
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

10
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

11
Pros and Cons

• Pros why a museum
• Increase librarys 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

12
Contact Information

• Ailesia Franklin
• Executive Director
• Dunkirk Public Library
• 127 West Washington Street
• Dunkirk, Indiana 47336
• Phone Fax [phone]
• E-mail dunkirklibrary_at_netscape.net
• Web www.dunkirkpubliclibrary.com