Author: Dr. Jenn
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Navigating Overstimulation in Post-COVID Museum Spaces
Post-pandemic, many museum visitors are finding once-familiar spaces overwhelming. From heightened noise sensitivity to anxiety triggered by crowds and lights, sensory overload is on the rise—and not just for neurodivergent individuals. As museums welcome back the public, it’s crucial to recognize how sensory-friendly design supports inclusion, comfort, and accessibility for all. This post explores common…
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The Third Choice
Leadership often means facing tough choices with no perfect answers. At a recent lunch with fellow museum directors, one new leader shared a challenging situation, hoping for clarity. I offered three options: confront the issue directly, take the middle ground with policies and diplomacy, or—yes—do nothing. Each path has consequences, and none are easy. But…
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Do You Have Volunteers or Volunteer Employees?
Every museum says it: “We couldn’t function without our volunteers.” But some rely on them so deeply, they wouldn’t exist without them. These essential individuals—volunteer employees—aren’t paid, yet their absence would halt operations. They lead tours, build exhibits, restore artifacts, and run programs. Despite their impact, they’re not classified as employees and receive no compensation…
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PastPerfect vs. CatalogIt
Choosing a collections management system can feel overwhelming—especially when balancing reliability with modern needs. PastPerfect has long been a trusted favorite, offering comprehensive features and authority control. But for many museums today, CatalogIt’s cloud-based, mobile-friendly design offers a refreshing, user-friendly alternative. In this post, I break down the pros and cons of each platform, from…
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Beyond the Exhibit
What happens to all the research behind an exhibit once it opens? After a recent museum conference, I began rethinking what counts as scholarly work. As museum professionals, we uncover rich histories, gather oral testimonies, and craft narratives—yet much of that research never leaves our files. Why not share it more broadly? This post explores…
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Every Museum Matters
Why I’m Focusing on Small Museums ~ In a time of overwhelming loss and uncertainty, I’m choosing to focus where impact is still possible—small museums. These undervalued spaces face daily challenges that deserve real, practical support. This new blog series offers focused insights and mini-toolkits designed to help small museums solve everyday problems with clarity…
Kaleidoscope HF 