Open Forum

At our Museum we are considering reviewing our packpack policy. Currently, we ask visitors carrying small to medium size backpacks to carry them to their side, or wear them in front. The rational is, that you are more aware of the backpack and are less likely to accidently brush against a work of art.

If at your Museum or institution you permit backpacks to be worn on a visitor's back what precautions do take to ensure the safety of your collection?

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Andy Maugh
Supervisor, Security & Visitor Services
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Kansas City MO
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My "home" museum has lockers in the lobby. They do not allow backpacks or large bags of any kind, including purses, into the galleries. The lockers are small and coin-operated, and the guard kiosk will kindly provide the quarter for the locker, which is returned when the patron retrieves their items. Locker use is strongly enforced to protect the collections as well as patrons and employees. There are a lot of crazy people out there!

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Betsy Deiterman

Original Message:
Sent: 04-22-2016 12:06 PM
From: Andy Maugh
Subject: Security: Backpacks

At our Museum we are considering reviewing our packpack policy. Currently, we ask visitors carrying small to medium size backpacks to carry them to their side, or wear them in front. The rational is, that you are more aware of the backpack and are less likely to accidently brush against a work of art.

If at your Museum or institution you permit backpacks to be worn on a visitor's back what precautions do take to ensure the safety of your collection?

------------------------------
Andy Maugh
Supervisor, Security & Visitor Services
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Kansas City MO
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