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  • 1.  Backpack rules

    Posted 08-24-2022 06:01 PM
    As a University art museum, we see a fair number of visitors using backpacks. While we have lockers available, many students enter through one door and exit via another, making the lockers inconvenient. We do ask visitors to carry the packs on their front, instead of their back, however this raises some accessibility issues as we see some visitors struggling with the weight.

    We would like to hear from other museums who have addressed this challenge and are hoping you have some insight to share. Have any of you dropped a backpack ban altogether? What was the result?

    TIA,

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    DIANE GUTENKAUF
    Senior Assistant Director, Operations & Strategy
    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    College of Fine and Applied Arts
    Krannert Art Museum
    500 East Peabody Drive | M/C 592
    Champaign, IL 61820
    217-333-3437 | dianeg3@illinois.edu
    kam.illinois.edu

    Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act any written communication to or from university employees regarding university business is a public record and may be subject to public disclosure.
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  • 2.  RE: Backpack rules

    Posted 08-25-2022 10:47 AM
    Hello,

    We technically limit them to 11x15 and not too bulky.  It's sort of at the discretion of whichever guard is assigned to the lobby.  We have cubbies and lockers so we direct them there regardless.  If they do choose to take it in to the galleries we ask them to carry it in front or only over one shoulder in order to maintain better control of it.   We do tend to bend this a bit when people respond to our request that it's a medical need to have it with them.  A key point to this though it letting all the guards know that someone has come in under a medical exception so the patron doesn't get approached in every gallery they go in to about their backpack.

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    Jim Mooney
    Museum Security Supervisor
    Currier Museum of Art
    Manchester NH
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  • 3.  RE: Backpack rules

    Posted 12-01-2024 01:22 PM
    Edited by Rebecca Matson 12-01-2024 01:22 PM

    HI!

    At our museum, we have adopted an "accessibility exemption policy". If we encounter a guest who states need for access to food, water, or a backpack, we have them read the below text and sign it. We give them a non descript "pass" with a museum logo on it so guards know to allow this visitor to navigate the museum with their items. We give this same pass to VIPs (visiting curators/artists/donors) when they are in the museum with a supervising staff member and wish to carry these items. It has broadened our accessibility standards and has been helpful!

     

    Accessibility Exemption Policy 

    At the Harn Museum of Art, we strive to provide an inclusive and accessible environment for all visitors. Prohibiting food, drinks, and backpacks is standard museum practice. Deviation from this standard can affect the museum's standing in the professional community or negatively impact requests for loans of artworks or exhibitions to the museum. However, we understand that some individuals may have specific needs and require certain items to ensure their comfort and accessibility during their visit. This Accessibility Exemption Policy is designed to accommodate these needs while also maintaining the safety and preservation of our artworks. We ask that you read through this policy to understand how to keep the artwork safe while also encouraging an accessible visit. 

    1. Food and Beverages: 

    While we have a general policy of not allowing food and beverages (including water) inside the museum galleries, we recognize that some visitors may have medical or accessibility requirements that necessitate having these items with them. If you require food or beverages due to a medical condition or accessibility need, we welcome you to bring them inside the museum. However, we kindly request that you consume them with discretion, away from the artwork, and dispose of any waste appropriately. 

    2. Backpacks: 

    To protect the integrity and safety of the artworks, we do not permit large backpacks or backpacks on the back inside the museum galleries. However, we understand that it may not be accessible to all visitors to wear a backpack on one shoulder. We also understand visitors may require larger bags to carry essential items such as medical equipment or personal belongings. If you need an exemption for your backpack for accessibility reasons, we welcome you to do so. We kindly request that you ensure your backpack does not obstruct pathways or pose risk to the artworks. Please be mindful and considerate while navigating through the museum. 

    By signing this document, you are acknowledging and accepting our Accessibility Exemption Policy. Your understanding and consideration contribute to creating an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all visitors at the Harn Museum of Art. 

    Signature: ___________________________________________                                 Date:_________    

    Approving Staff:_______________________________________ 



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    Rebecca Matson
    Senior Security Guard
    Harn Museum of Art - University of Florida
    Gainesville FL
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  • 4.  RE: Backpack rules

    Posted 12-02-2024 12:38 PM
    I really appreciate this accessibility exemption policy! My son is medically complex so we have an emergency bag with us. We call it his go-bag and it has to be with him at all times. We've had unfortunate interactions (mostly with volunteers who are unfamiliar with this situation) who insist we don't take it into the galleries. We're used to wearing it on our front, but since it's like an additional appendage at this point, we're confident wearing it on our back - which is helpful when we have to lift up our son.

    --

    Elysian McNiff Koglmeier (she/her)
    Head of Partnerships
    Artwork Archive

    Part Time Hours
    Online: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays

    National Organization for Arts in Health (NOAH) Board Treasurer