The library of my employment has decided to add art exhibits. Which in theory is a good idea. In theory.
Perhaps its the fact that I have a BA and MA in Art History, as well as a BA and MS in Anthropology, and that ever helpful MLIS, and have taken many classes in conservation, archives, and museum studies over the years that I know what can happen to art left in the wild unattended. The first thing that came to mind as I saw the them arranging the art today was that facilities and their riding vacuums are going to knock things over. Tables, water fountains, power-cords, garbages, desks, chairs, walls, people, bags, and a variety of other items have not survived the vacuum wars. My second thought was that people are going to touch the art, as they are not enclosed in glass. About ten minutes later I saw the first person (an employee) touch the art and a few hours later I saw the first student touch the art. So no glass protecting the art, no procedures/guidelines for staff about the art, and the people in charge don’t live with the art, as they live in offices away from the art and the public. It will be interesting and potentially horrifying to see how this plays out.
