ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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Wendy,
Perhaps there is a related parallel path, looking at museums' and science centers' value to the larger society.  I don't think that at this time we can use the obvious arguments about what this means to our humanness, to the kids who attend, the adults who want to continue learning - the usual altruistic things we say.  I think that in this environment, it is important that we look at the hard-core "what does a museum do for the community economically" issue.  

Corporations are attracted to cities with such cultural entities because it is attractive to their employees.  Museums are community revenue generators.  Investments are more likely to occur in communities with museums.  Louisville's downtown renaissance is a classic case.  

Beryl 

-----Original Message-----
>From: Wendy Pollock <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Feb 11, 2009 6:19 PM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: How is your museum responding to community needs?
>
>ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
>Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
>*****************************************************************************
>
>We've been wondering how science centers (and other museums) are responding to their communities' particular needs during this very difficult time. There's been a lot of press about library usage rising, partly because of internet use by people looking for jobs. We've been hearing accounts from some ASTC members. But we'd like to hear from others about how your institutions may be offering assistance or services of any kind -- even as you are coping with extraordinary circumstances yourselves -- or what you think the possibilities might be.
> 
>As I was writing this, I also got word of Elaine Gurian's similar query. She wrote: "I am writing a speech about the uses of museums during this serious economic downturn. It is clear to me that museums could be much more helpful and timely by changing hours, job retraining, health care information and all manner of social service. What I wonder is if you think they should do that or retain their primary function of preservation, education, etc. or do both and if so what is the mix." 
> 
>Any thoughts you'd be willing to share here?
> 
>Wendy
> 
>__________________________
>
>Wendy Pollock
>
>Association of Science-Technology Centers
>
>Center for Advancement of Informal Science Education
>
>1025 Vermont Avenue NW, Suite 500
>
>Washington, DC 20005-6310  USA
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>202/783-7200 x114    Fax 202/783-7207 
>
>astc.org  ▪ exhibitfiles.org  ▪ insci.org
>
> 
>
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For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.

Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org.

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