Posted By:
Corey R. ShanusI've been asked and am considering a few possibilities. Among things to think about and discuss with the institution are security, insurance and light pollution. This last one is particularly important as the last thing you want would be for your items to be displayed exposed to sunlight or improper lighting. Don't assume the institution is knowledgable about this issue. You should know what is acceptable to you (i.e., no exposure to sunlight and lighting appropriate to light-sensitive objects) and insist they adhere to it. The security issue involves more than just the type of alarm system they have. Let me give an example. A few years ago the Folk Art Museum in New York City had an outstanding display of baseball folk art objects. For at least one object, I literally saw people going up and touching it. Now if that had been my item and I saw that, I would have gone crazy. That kind of stuff cannot be allowed to happen and it is important you fully discuss the issue with the institution and be satisfied as to their responses.