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  • 1.  Library Memberships

    Posted 11-09-2017 12:52 PM

    Science Central, a hands-on science center in Fort Wayne, Indiana is looking into the idea of offering 'Library Memberships.' The basic idea is that libraries hold the membership card, and they can be checked out by library patrons or members. We know this sort of program exists at other places, and we're trying to gather some more information on it. A few questions:

    1.      Do you offer Membership for Libraries?

    2.      What policies and/or limits do you maintain for them?

    3.      Who pays for the membership (from the library's own budget, grants you or the library would write, other)?

    4.      How much do you charge for your library membership?

    5.      Do you have any data on membership conversion rates? i.e., do any visitors/library patrons who use the Library Membership become members of your museum?

    6.      Do you have data on repeat visits? Do the same people tend to use the Library Membership multiple times?

    7.      Do you have a target audience/demographic for your Library Membership?


    Thanks!

    Martin


    --

    Martin S. Fisher
    Executive Director
    Science Central
    1950 North Clinton Street
    Fort Wayne, IN  46805
    Phone: (260) 424-2400 ext. 441
    Cell: (260) 452-4047

    Spark Your Imagination!
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  • 2.  RE: Library Memberships

    Posted 11-10-2017 08:25 AM
    Hi Martin -

    Tracy Aviary (located in Salt Lake City) has a wonderful partnership with city and county libraries. I reached out to them with a similar idea and was amazed to hear they have a program in place that we could just be added to, their Community Passport.

    Library patrons are allowed to check out one per year and I believe it's only good for a month, but different cultural organizations are represented and can choose what they offer (2 free admissions, 4 free admissions, buy one get one, etc.). We don't make any money but see it suppporting our Outstanding Community Partner strategic goal and hope that families will come back in the future.

    One piece we've struggled with is tracking how successful it's been, as the library tracks the passports and all guests have to do is show our front desk staff. I've talked to the library about changing the card so "tickets" could be torn out so we can track how many are redeemed but it hasn't been a priority yet. 

    We've also considered putting memberships in school libraries but haven't moved forward with that idea yet.

    I hope that answers some of your questions!

    ------------------------------
    Michelle Mileham, Ph.D.
    Director of Education
    Tracy Aviary
    Salt Lake City UT
    ------------------------------

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  • 3.  RE: Library Memberships

    Posted 11-10-2017 09:34 AM

    There are a number of local libraries that purchase annual Membership as individuals or families would. For many of these libraries, their cardholders can take out the Parrish Members as any other item in library circulation.  Visitors show the library's Membership card for entry into the Parrish Art Museum, which means we know how many times the Membership is being utilized, but we do not collect additional data from visitors in order for us to track if it is unique visitors or repeat visitors, etc.  Our library Members determine the best Membership for them to purchase, which generally is in the $95-$125 range and includes two Membership cards and with the more expensive option, reciprocal Membership and guest passes.  We have been giving thought to creating a library-specific Membership in this same range, but shaking up some of the benefits and processes. 

    I look forward to seeing how this thread unfolds.  Best of luck to you in your research!

    Peace,
    Ria

     



    ------------------------------
    Maria Fumai Dietrich
    Membership and Individual Giving Manager
    Parrish Art Museum
    Water Mill NY
    ------------------------------

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  • 4.  RE: Library Memberships

    Posted 11-20-2017 07:46 PM
    Chicago has a pretty extensive library program called Kids Museum Passport:

    Kids Museum Passport

    In partnership with Museums in the Park, we invite adult residents of Chicago to check out a Kids Museum Passport, which gives up to two adults and at least one child under 18 free admission to explore 15 of Chicago's world-class cultural institutions. Passports are available at all CPL locations.

    Kids Museum Passports | FAQs

    At Shedd Aquarium, we process this as a comp ticket.  Our software, Tessitura, allows you to set a reason code so that we can see how many of the comps we issue are part of the Kids Museum Passport program.  It's been a great way to make Shedd accessible to Chicago families.



    ------------------------------
    Heather McLaren
    Asst. Director, Box Office Operations
    John G. Shedd Aquarium
    Chicago IL
    ------------------------------

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  • 5.  RE: Library Memberships

    Posted 11-21-2017 10:09 AM

    The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has a Library Membership program. I'd be happy to connect with you offline to discuss in greater detail.

     

    Thanks,

    Ashley

     

    Ashley Alexander

    Director of Membership & Philanthropic Programs

     

    DMNS 2 Line RGB small.jpg

    ashley.alexander@dmns.org

    P   303.370.6306


    2001 Colorado Blvd.
    Denver, CO  80205

    www.dmns.org

     

      

     

    For a limited time, discover the marvels of natural engineering in Nature's Amazing Machines, and meet a new breed of beast in Ultimate Dinosaurs. Both exhibitions are included with general admission.

     

    The Museum's mission is to be a catalyst and ignite the community's passion for nature and science.

     




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  • 6.  RE: Library Memberships

    Posted 11-21-2017 09:41 AM
    ​We offer a library pass at The Grounds For Sculpture. It costs the library $500.00 to purchase for the year. The pass allows for 4 people to come in with the pass and they receive  a 10% discount in our gift shop. We place a barcode on the pass and it is scanned when the guest arrives. This way we can see how often the pass is being used. We do not have any conversion rates, since we do not require any information from the patron using the pass.

    The library handles how it is paid for and how they circulate the pass. Patrons typically loan it out for a period of time set by the individual libraries. We also charge a $50 reprint fee if the card is lost/not returned to the library.

    At this time we have over 160 library pass memberships. Some libraries have more than one pass since it is very popular!

    Hope this helps!

    ------------------------------
    KarenLee Parmelee
    Membership Associate
    Grounds for Sculpture
    Hamilton NJ
    ------------------------------

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  • 7.  RE: Library Memberships

    Posted 11-22-2017 09:24 AM
    Instead of providing libraries with a membership, we designed a specific family pass that covers up to six people. I have attached images of our pass to give you an idea of our program. We have at least one of these passes in every public library statewide, so we didn't want too much crossover with our membership benefits. If you have more questions, I'm happy to talk about the program further! 

    ------------------------------
    Kathryn Stanton
    Membership Program Coordinator
    Michael C. Carlos Museum
    Atlanta GA
    ------------------------------

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  • 8.  RE: Library Memberships

    Posted 11-22-2017 10:04 AM
    The Newark Museum offers a Library Pass program at the same price as our Family membership $80.00  The pass is valid for one year and entitles 2 adults and all children under 17 free admission to the Museum.  Museum Shop discount or discount on public programs are not included as part of our Museum Pass program.

    ------------------------------
    Shunzyu Haigler
    Director of Membership Services
    The Newark Museum
    Newark NJ
    ------------------------------

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