Museum

A Museum is an institution that cares for (conserves) a collection of artifacts and other
objects of scientific, artistic, cultural, or historical importance and makes them available
for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary. Most large
museums are located in major cities throughout the world and more local ones exist in
smaller cities, towns and even the countryside. Museums have varying aims, ranging
from serving researchers and specialists to serving the general public. The continuing
acceleration in the digitization of information, combined with the increasing capacity
of digital information storage, is causing the traditional model of museums (i.e. as static
"collections of collections" of three-dimensional specimens and artifacts) to expand to
include virtual exhibits and high-resolution images of their collections for perusal, study,
and exploration from any place with Internet.
The Role of Museums
Museums understanding of their role has shifted over the years: the traditional notion of
a museum was as a center of scholarship and curatorial expertise but over time this has
moved towards a more explicitly public-oriented role, helping people to learn about
society, culture, history and science, and providing entertainment (Travers, 2006). The
MLAs definition of excellence in museums reflects a strong orientation towards a social
role: it describes excellence as being about the quality of the experience and the public
benefits gained from engagement (both cultural and social), as well being about
institutions being innovative, risk-taking and international in outlook (MLA, 2009)
Collections and the active use of collections are a key element of this, although the
argument is again framed around the social role of museums: it is argued that it is

through collections and how they are used to deliver cultural experiences that museums
give benefit to the public (MLA, 2009; Wilkinson, 2005).
Evidence on user and general public views of the role of museums also shows a focus
on social or public benefit. Research using focus groups to explore what the public
values about museums suggests that they value museums for supporting learning,
especially informal family and life-long learning; as a social and recreational space; and
for shaping a sense of self and society through preserving cultural heritage and building
understanding of other cultures (Usherwood et al, 2005). It found that people attribute
an existence value to museums, believing that it is important that these functions exist
even if they do not themselves make use of them. However, we cannot be certain
whether these focus groups reflect the full range of public views, because there have
not been any surveys measuring general public attitudes more comprehensively.
Research with actual users of museums, namely the Renaissance regional hub
museums, does show that the highest rated and most important attribute of the museum
experience for these users is as a place where you can learn, which brings
opportunities for developing personal knowledge and understanding (BDRC
Continental, 2010).
Character of a Museum
The collection of most small museums is an admixture of many things. While there is
nothing wrong in collecting many classes of items, this practice has to be given some
thought if there is a choice. There have been many instances where after some time, a
collection is needed to be rid of items which had become incongruous in terms of class
or quality. It might be practical to define at the outset the objectives of the museum so
that the collections can be made to support these objectives. In effect, one has to define
the character of the museum. This character will help the curator determine, for
instance, what type of structures and facilities are to be made available in terms of
study, storage, conservation, and exhibition. There are general category museums like
the National Museum, and specialized museums as the Metropolitan Museum of
Manila, the Museo ng Bahay Pilipino, and the Central Bank Money Museum. The need
of the community is at times one of the factors determining the character of a museum.
In most cases, the museum curator is confronted with a conglomeration of objects the
choice for which he had no control whatsoever. Optimistically, the items collected are
originally from and reflect the community where the museum is located.
Collections
A collection may be built and augmented in a number of ways:
1. field collection

2. donation
3. purchase
4. exchange

When an object in the collection is acquired, the most important consideration is that
information accompanies the object. The information should include data on the object
itself and socio-cultural milieu. Although the collection item itself is a primary data
source, and accompanying data merely secondary source, there is nothing more
frustrating for a curator than to have an object with nothing but the fact of its existence
in his hands. One cannot be too detailed in obtaining data on the collection item like the
following:
name of the object
the ethnic group of origin
place of origin
description
material (s) used
functions
name of parts
function of parts
manner of use
definition of user (s)

 who / how produced

accompanying ritual (s)
ownership
distribution

Documentation
It is imperative for a museum to documents its collections, which at the very least is
composed of a list of the various items. The list names the objects and states how many
of each there are. There are various forms of museum records:
1. Accession Record/ registry
2. Catalogue
3. Photographic record
4. Database

Physical Facilities

The facilities a museum requires correspond basically to the various steps in the
processing of specimens or collection items. The ideal certainly is to have adequate
space in the museum premises to carry out all the functions. Where the ideal does not
exist, provisions should be made for vital functions to be carried out.

1. Fumigation/ Cleaning
A collection item that has just come in and is newly registered ordinarily undergoes
treatment. The final phase of treatment is cleaning of the item or object just before it is
placed with the rest of the collection. The reason is that it might be infected with fungus,
wood borers, etc., which may contaminate other items in the collection. Fumigation is
imperative. In the absence of fumigation chambers, other means can be resorted to, as

illustrated on page 30, depending on the type and size of objects. (discussed more fully
under the Conservation Section)

2. Storage
Most small museums do not have provisions for storage. Storage space is imperative
not only as the usual little closets and rooms reserved for office equipage and facilities
but also and more so for collection items. A museum continually collects even though
exhibition space is usually limited. Rotation of exhibitions require space for keeping
items not on display.
The storage area should be near enough to the curator and the exhibition area that it
services. The following are among guidelines to be strictly observed:
No one should hold office in the storage.
No food or drink should be taken inside the storage area.
Only fumigated/cleaned specimens should enter the storage.
Everything that goes in and out of the storage should be recorded.
Items should be stored systematically easy retrieval.
No smoking inside the storage room.
Only authorized personnel should be allowed inside the storage room.

Storage System
Collection items should be classified while in storage. The items may be grouped
according to type of items, e.g. baskets, clothing, agricultural tools; or by ethnicity, e.g.
Tagalog, Ilocano, etc.; or by material e.g. wood, metal, etc. For conservation purposes,
storing by material is recommendable since it is easier to treat, for instance, textiles as a
group instead of individual pieces scattered all over the collection.
The key, of course, for retrieval is through a cross-indexed file combined with a
systematized storage. An item when taken out should be returned to the same place.
If available, acid-free paper should be used to line shelvings. The shelving section
should be identified so that each item has its own particular slot.

If the object is removed, a piece of paper noting the removal of the object, the date,
where the object was taken, the purpose and by whom, should be put in its place. This
is apart from the logbook, which records the entry and exit of items. The following are
some dos:
Stack materials with no objects touching them or placed on top of another. Allow air
circulation between objects.
Do not roll or fold materials. Textiles can be rolled around a tube.
Keep area free of dust.
Use gloves in handling specimens. There is acid on your hands.
Use both hands in holding specimens. Handle items as gently as possible as if all
these are very fragile. Restored objects are specially fragile. Check on which is the
safest place to hold.
Allow only trained personnel to handle items.
Use only soft illumination in the storeroom.
Allow adequate ventilation to maintain an even temperature in the room.
Fumigate the room periodically.
Provide fire-fighting and firescape facilities.

Exhibition

Curators should take a keen interest in visitor profiles in order to make the museum
effective in a community. The population of museum visitors shares general
characteristics. Among these are:
The art audience is from a narrow segment of the population, generally white collar
and well-educated.
The sexes are just about evenly represented.
Museum visitors at least have some college education.
People tend to go to museums with others.
Many are repeat visitors.
Museum attendance vary seasonally with the least during the summer months.
The museum visitor spends an average of five minutes in an exhibition, and less in an
art display.
The average visitors attention span is about thirty seconds per exhibit in a science
museum. The majority of the public appears to be gaining little or nothing other than
trivial impression of the exhibits (Zyskowksi, 1968).
Only a small percentage of visitors make use of printed guides.
Education and place of residence are important determinants of museum attendance.
Museums actualize the experiences of the visitors.
While adding to knowledge, museum exhibits tend to amplify feelings.

 Some form of visitor participation is advantageous in maximizing the effects of a

museum visit. There are beliefs, however, that visitors expect to remain passive,
preferring to be left on their own.
Education is the best predictor of museum attendance. The museum visitor has a
wide variety of interests and backgrounds.
The museum visitor has limited time
The museum visitor is physically exhausted after a visit and often overwhelmed by too
much sensory inputs.
The average museum visitor is not anxious for more information or educational
materials on museum collections. Most people do not read display labels. Keep children
in mind with respect to labels.
In sum, museums provide different services for different people. Visitors have different
personal interests, thus a museum visit cannot be structured. A museum should
therefore aim to provide a wide range of opportunities for their visitors to choose from,
making the museum experience unique for each individual.
The primary concern of many museums is display of the collection items. Limitations of
space call for well organized exhibits and periodic rotation. Most museums tend to
display everything at once.
The exhibition gallery should be well-ventilated, dust-free with some means to control
light, temperature, and humidity. This would mean that the gallery be an enclosed hall
with no windows through which direct sunlight could enter. Windows, too, can get in the
way of the placement of exhibition facilities and visitors traffic flow.
No general lighting for the hall is needed but a large number of outlets should be well
and conveniently distributed throughout the room; on the base of the wall, the flooring,
or the ceiling, would be recommendable. This would allow tapping of power as needed.
It is advisable for small museums to opt for display structures that are generalized, that
is, designed to accommodate different kinds of objects with varying sizes. There are
three types of display structural facilities needed:
1. Shadow boxes
2. Pedestals (glassed or unglassed)
3. Display panels

Display facilities should be highly adaptive to various needs. In case of shadow boxes,
the glassed portion should be deep and high, which could accommodate a number of
related objects rather than just one. Some means of providing adequate ventilation for
the displayed object must be made, specially if high- intensity lighting is to be used
which will increase temperature inside the showcase. Of course, specially valuable
objects warrant a special case.
Where storage space is a problem, the bottom part of display cases can be utilized for
storage if constructed as such and provided with access.
Pedestals, to save on space, can be made into sizes that can nest inside one another.
There must be some means to lock the glass tops to the bases. It is better to have a
large pedestal holding a small object than vice versa, so large sizes are better. Large
ones also are more stable.
Sufficient number of assorted sizes of small boxes to be used as individual pedestals of
smaller objects inside a display case should be available.
Display panels should be dismountable so that these can be stored in as small a space
as possible. To last longer, perforated panels are recommended because things can be
laid out on them without the continual use of nails. It is preferable that the panels are
double-faced.

Conservation
All materials change through time. Conservation merely retards the rate of changes to
perpetuate the condition of an object. In general, rapid and frequent changes in the
physical environment of an object will lead to its earlier deterioration. A relatively stable
environment without the extremes is therefore ideal for conservation of museum
objects. the Philippines is fortunate in being in the tropics where the fluctuation of
climate is not to the extremes. The difference in annual temperature is not that
pronounced. In fact, the difference in temperature between day and night is greater. The
problem is more with respect humidity for our environment has plenty of this. Countries
in temperate regions have greater museological problems due to the fluctuation of
environmental conditions to the extremes.
Attacks of insect and fungi, are constant threats. The most common insects that are the
bane of museologists are wood borers, silverfish, cockroach, termites, moths, and
bookworms. The museum should be fumigated periodically. Non- residual fumigants are
preferable.

To avoid the growth of fungi, extreme temperature changes and dampness should be
avoided. Thymol crystals can be used to inhibit the growth of moulds. This must be used
with care. It should not be used near oil paintings, painted woodwork, etc. because it
can soften many paints and lacquers.

Pollutants
Even clean air contributes to the decay of specimens due to its oxygen content.
Atmospheric pollution aggravates the situation for museums particularly with respect to
carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and the soot from insufficiently
burned fuel from motor vehicles. Dust is dangerous for this provides the nuclei for water
condensation and the start of chemical and physical reactions. Nearness to sea poses
dangers of the corrosive effects of salt. The only effective control of air pollution is air
conditioning. Where this is not possible free air ventilation with filtration may be used.

Temperature
If the temperature range can be managed then this should be kept within the range of
20C 2C as most collection items will not deteriorate as quickly at these
temperatures. A simple room thermometer will do to measure the temperature. In the
absence of air conditioners, electric fans or other forms of ventilation will suffice.

Humidity
A relative humidity of 50-55% is recommended. If the relative humidity goes above 65%
and the temperature is also high, moulds will develop and destroy many objects such as
textiles, pigments and paper. Hygrometers are used to measure relative humidity. In the
absence of these, one can more or less feel increased humidity by a feeling of heat,
oppressiveness and stickiness of the skin.
Electric fans which can circulate air continually during hot and humid weather can help
arrest the development of such fungi since these prefer dark, damp and warm places to
be able to grow. Dessicants in small dishes inside display cases can help. Charcoal and
silica gel substitute in small storages to keep stable temperatures and relative humidity.

Light
Light has a deleterious effect on certain materials like pigments, inks, dyes, paper,
textile and the like. It should therefore be controlled. Natural light has both ultra-violet
and infra-red rays. Ultra violet rays can cause chemical changes on some objects while
infra-red light or heat can effect physical changes.
Ultra-violet filtering plexiglass can be used in frames and cases instead of glass.
Fluorescent lights can also be covered by these filters. There are lighting facilities like
Philips TL-37 which have ultra-violet filtering components.
To control infra-red rays the amount of light falling upon an object should be limited.
Spotlights give off excessive heat.
The amount of light that falls upon an object should receive serious consideration.
Maximum luminance is measured in lux units. A 100 watt tungsten incandescent bulb
has an illumination of 14 lux at a distance of 1.5 meters, at 30 degrees angle. Using this
as comparison, the following are the maximum illuminance recommended for museum
objects:
50 lux: Textiles, clothing, watercolors, tapestries, prints, drawings, manuscripts, wall
paper, dyed leather, natural history collections like botanical and zoological specimens.
150 lux: Oil and tempera paintings, undyed leather, horn, bone, ivory, and Oriental
lacquer work
300 lux: Stone, metal, glass, ceramics, jewelry, enamel, wood
Objects should be exposed to lighting only for minimum periods.

Emergency Conservation
1. Wood
1.1 Remove dust or dirt with soft brush. Clean stubborn dirt with cotton swab and
distilled water, moving in one direction only. 1.2 Replace missing parts. Cracks can be
filled in with sawdust with methyl cellulose. Sandpaper to remove excess. 1.3 Insect
attack can be controlled with fumigation or the use of insecticides by spraying, injection

or brushing. 1.4 If wet or water-logged, keep wet and soak in water to remove soluble
chloride that might have come from the soil or sea water. Call expert help from the
National Museum.
2. Copper and Copper Alloys
2.1 Mechanical cleaning should be done on the surfaces using dental tools, fine chisels
and scalpels. 2.2 Degrease by using acetone to remove other impurities and greasy
coating. 2.3 Do not remove entirely corrosion products since these may contain details.
2.4 Distilled water can be used to wash away corrosion or soluble chlorides. 2.5
Aggressive cuprous chlorides are removed using 5% oxalic acid solution and soft
brushes.
3. Iron
3.1 Do not wash or scrub iron objects. Water will accelerate the corrosive process. 3.2
Objects found wet or affected by sea water must be kept until expert help is obtained.
An inhibiting solution of 2% sodium hydroxide may be used in packing it. 3.3 Consult
experts.
4. Textiles
Textiles are dedicate and need extra care and handling.
4.1 Photograph and document details, e.g. materials, weaving techniques, dimensions,
condition, etc. before treatment. 4.2 Test for fastness of dyes. 4.3 Test for strength of
fibres. 4.4 Vacuum clean gently. 4.5 Flatten folded portions and creases. 4.6 Roll on
board with acid-free paper, e.g. Japanese paper. 4.7 Store in a clean, well-ventilated
room with good environmental controls. 4.8 Avoid intense light. 4.9 Store in wooden
cabinets lined with starch-free cotton or polyester.
5. Ceramics and Glass
Ceramics (earthenware, stoneware, porcelain) and glass are generally stable and
require only simple hygiene.
5.1 Mechanical cleaning is generally sufficient. 5.2 Ceramics and glass from underwater
sites may have in them harmful chlorides, which need to be removed by soaking in
distilled water for long periods.
6. Basketry and Mats
These are prone to degradation since the materials are organic.

6.1 Know the kind of plant materials. 6.2 Mechanical cleaning using cotton swabs and
distilled water with ammonia to remove oil and grease, and dirt. 6.3 Organic solvents
like alcohol, acetone, toluene and petroleum may also be used. Test for the appropriate
solvent. Use the weakest. 6.4 Marks, tapes, adhesives should be removed. 6.5
Condition the fibres by relaxing these so they can be reshaped without breakage. 6.6
Store baskets and mats in relatively dark, cool ventilated areas. Non-air tight plastic
bags may be used. Do
not place one on top of another. These should not sag under
their own weight. 6.7 Mats should be rolled or stored flat like textiles.

Security
All museum collections should be protected from:
1. Mishandling by personnel
2. Theft
3. Fire
4. Water
5. Vandalism
Staff members should be taught how to hold or carry an object of different kinds, e.g.
painting, sculpture, ceramics, baskets, etc. Training is needed in opening a book,
stacking paintings, taking materials out of a frame, carrying an object from one place to
another; the use of tapes, the acidity of bare hands and so on. In fact, in-service training
is indispensable in the handling of all types of museum objects in all possible situations
or processing steps in the museum. It is fatal to assume that people automatically know
how to handle objects. Mishandling is one of the greatest factors that contribute to the
deterioration of an object, and this is an area where museums tend to be most guilty.
The museum should be secured from theft. The threat can come from within, outside
and the security system itself. All means of entry, including from the roof, should be
studied and secured. Control over keys to locks of entrances should be an ongoing
concern, including the duplication of these. The selection of security personnel and how
they would be disposed should be well considered. Bonded security firms should be
preferred but their personnel should be trained for the needs of a museum.
If there is a possibility for the installation of an alarm system, then this should be done.
There are many systems available but the selection must be suited to a particular
situation and need. Infra-red sensing devices that create invisible curtains can be more
effective than the photo-electric cell devices that use beams of light. It should be kept in

mind that burglar alarms give a false sense of security. It should be remembered that
alarms must also be secured.
Fires are always possible. Preventive measures are ideal besides being the cheapest.
Possible sources of fire should be checked periodically like the electrical wiring,
presence of flammable materials like volatile fuels, chemicals, waxes, oil soaked cloth,
etc. Fire extinguishers should be distributed in key areas, and personnel should not only
know where these are but also how to use them. The staff should also know and be
trained on what to do in case of fire. Fire drills should be held regularly. Foam and
water-type extinguishers can do more damage to collection items than anticipated.
Extinguishers that do not leave residues should be preferred.
Water can be as dangerous to collection items just as fire and should be avoided.
Storage areas should be above ground level to avoid ground water and floods. As much
as possible there should be no water pipes in storage areas. Water can also come from
leaking roof gutters or ill-placed pipes. Always be aware that the presence of water is
damaging to collection items so that even in conservation processes it must be used
with care.
Vandalism is a problem that can be prevented or minimized by the visibility of security
personnel. An understanding of this can be considered in the layout and placement of
objects, e.g. roping off sensitive areas; the use of glass; placing susceptible objects
near security areas. Usually, an exhibition layout that exposes the visitor to view at all
times is highly preventive.

Recourses for a Museum

1. General cleanliness of the storage, exhibition and curatorial areas should be
constantly maintained.
2. Control of environmental conditions.
3. General security from theft, fire and water.
4. Maintenance of a registry and documentation, including the documentation of the
conservation processes used in any object.
5. Periodic fumigation preferably by trained personnel.
6. Emergency conservation.
7. Use of white cotton gloves in handling specimens to protect these from the acid and
oils of the skin.

8. Use of water-soluble adhesives.

9. Mounting and storing of objects in acid-free containers, including photos and
negatives.
10. Use of professional conservation help when necessary.
The Chemistry and Conservation Laboratory under the Anthropology Division of the
National Museum in Manila is the best equipped for this type of work not only in terms of
equipment but also of personnel. Technical assistance can be made available upon
request

Design and Planning

Whenever it is proposed to build a museum- whether large or small-there is usually one
preliminary matter to be settled: the choice of a site.
A museum should always be readily accessible from all parts of the town by public
transport and, if possible, be within walking distance as well, and must be within easy
reach of schools, colleges, university, and libraries. As a matter of fact, all these
institutions have similar problems and stand equally in need of topo graphical
coordination; it would be advisable to take this into account at the town-planning stage,
rather than deal with each case separately, as it arises, a method which may involve the
sacrifice or neglect of many desiderata. Museums tend nowadays to be regarded more
and more as "cultural centers." It must therefore be remembered that as such they are
visited not only by students but by people with different backgrounds who, I fa museum
is near enough and reach, may come to it, with little time to spare, in search of
instructive recreation.
The objective of the proposed museum should be clearly defined, as well as the
geographic region, the subject (history, natural history, or art) and extent of display and
other services. The following is an example of a suitable basic statement for a small
museum: The basic objective of the Museum is to collect, pre- serve, study and exhibit
significant objects of the com- munity, and provide related educational services in order
to increase public knowledge and stimulate creative activity. This statement should have
further definition by incorporating a reference to the type of collections, whether human
history, natural history or art.
A good museum includes these basic functions: (1) curatorial, (2) display, (3) display
preparation, (4) education. In order to realize both objectives and functions, certain
facilities and spaces are essential. There must be sufficient diversification of spaces to
allow each function to be undertaken separately while at the same time combining

certain activities in a single area as required for economy in a small museum. Because
of the many and varied kinds of tasks which a museum has to perform, it is absolutely
impossible to maintain good housekeeping and curatorial procedures without separation
of functions into separate rooms. This relation between functions and physical facilities
is summarized in the following.