Museums and the 21st Century

I'm posting this question on behalf of our Executive Director Jeff West who is on the Smithsonian-Arlington, TX Committee:

Question: 'What is the single most important tool for museums in the 21st century?'

Thanks!

Mia Llarena Museum Educator/Volunteer Coordinator The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza Dallas, TX USA

Staff. Elementary, I know but true. Technology of course instantly leaps to mind but regardless of WHAT the best tool is, does museum staff know HOW to use it?

In a message dated 98-03-10 10:36:14 EST, you write:

Communication!!!!!!!!!!

- Adrienne

Competent, well trained staff in sufficient quantity.

Hervé Gagnon Director-curator Colby-Curtis Museum Stanstead (Québec) Canada

Mia Llarena a écrit:

Dear Ms. Llarena and Mr. West:

A highly trained and motivated staff.

Hugh H. Genoways

++++++++++++++++++++++++

Hugh H. Genoways Professor Chair and Professor University of Nebraska State Museum Museum Studies Program University of Nebraska-Lincoln University of Nebraska-Lincoln W436 Nebraska Hall 307 Morril Hall Lincoln, NE 68588-0514 Lincoln, NE 68588-0356 Voice: no telephone Voice: 402-472-2012 FAX (402) 472-8949

I think it will be VRML (virtual reality modeling language), which will be used to contextualize museum displays (i.e., digital dioramas), re-create historical spaces, present corollary information, and reach internet audiences.

Stephen Nowlin Vice President Director, Williamson Gallery Producer, Art Center Online Art Center College of Design http://www.artcenter.edu/exhibits/williamson.html

Insulation from the vagueries of marketing the museum as a regulated business and allowing it to develop as an institution.

Paul Apodaca

How about a cordless electric screwdriver?

At 09:26 AM 3/10/98 -0600, you wrote:

Answer: Duct Tape

An excellent business plan for your museum.

Peter B. Tirrell, Associate Director Oklahoma Museum of Natural History The University of Oklahoma 1335 Asp Avenue Norman, Oklahoma 73019-6071 tel: (405) 325-1009 Fax: (405) 325-7699 web page: http://www.omnh.ou.edu/ also: president, Association of College and University Museums and Galleries(ACUMG) www.omnh.ou.edu/acumg/

People of integrity, intelligence, and quality are a paramount need, in my view, and they must be people with a vision. They'll need to have resilience to ups and downs, and change, which may not be characteristic of the era that has preceded the current decade.

And they'll need to see museum work as somewhat of a 'ministry,' not in the usual religious terms, but as a field where professionals are able to improve mankind through their personal efforts. In other words, they must be passionate and committed to be 'helpers.'