Dear All

What can museums do to counter miss information? I wonder in this time in the country how can museums spread facts and a more complete version of history.

I look forward to your responses and in-sight.

Thanks,

Rachel

Hello, what kind of miss information are you talking about?

Dear All

What can museums do to counter miss information? I wonder in this time in the country how can museums spread facts and a more complete version of history.

I look forward to your responses and in-sight.

Thanks,

Rachel

Dear Cristina

I think it can be about science or history and or art.

Thanks,

Rachel

Hello, what kind of miss information are you talking about?

Dear All

What can museums do to counter miss information? I wonder in this time in the country how can museums spread facts and a more complete version of history.

I look forward to your responses and in-sight.

Thanks,

Rachel

Some specific examples?

Dear Cristina

I think it can be about science or history and or art.

Thanks,

Rachel

Hello, what kind of miss information are you talking about?

Dear All

What can museums do to counter miss information? I wonder in this time in the country how can museums spread facts and a more complete version of history.

I look forward to your responses and in-sight.

Thanks,

Rachel

Hello, what kind of miss information are you talking about?

------------------------------
Cristina Heredia-Bosch
Exhibits Manager
Zoo Miami
Miami FL

Original Message:
Sent: 01-22-2025 01:42 PM
From: Rachel Alschuler
Subject: What can museums do to counter miss information?

Dear All

What can museums do to counter miss information? I wonder in this time in the country how can museums spread facts and a more complete version of history.

I look forward to your responses and in-sight.

Thanks,

Rachel

------------------------------
Rachel Alschuler
Museum Education/ Visitor Experience
San Francisco CA
------------------------------

Turn a Shipping Container into Your Very Own Backyard Library

If you're a book-lover and always dreamed about having your own library, you may want to get a shipping container. They're perfect for creating unique spaces, and guess what? They can make an amazing personal library. If you love books and a little backyard space, here's how to turn one of these steel boxes into your dream reading nook. It's easier (and cooler) than you might think!

Why Use a Shipping Container for a Library?

Let's be real: books need a safe place to live. Shipping containers are great for storage, especially for something as precious as your book collection. Here's why they're a solid choice:

• Tough as Nails: These things are made of steel, so they're strong enough to protect your books from the weather, pests, and even the occasional stray soccer ball.
• Portable: Want to move your library to a sunnier corner of the yard? You can do that. Shipping containers are designed to be mobile, so relocating your mini-library is totally doable.
• Affordable: Building a whole new room is pricey. Converting a shipping container for storage of your books is way cheaper and just as functional.

Step 1: Pick the Right Container

First, you need to find a good shipping container for storage. Look for one that's in decent condition-no holes, no rust, and. A standard 20-foot container should be plenty of space for a personal library, but you can go bigger if you've got the room (and a ton of books) or smaller with a 10-foot container.

Step 2: Prep Your Container for Book Life

Books are a bit picky when it comes to their environment. You'll need to make some modifications to keep them happy and safe:

1. Insulation:
   Books hate extreme temperatures. Insulate the walls, ceiling, and floor to keep your library comfy year-round. Spray foam is great, but foam board or fiberglass works too.
2. Airtightness:
   Seal up any gaps or cracks in the container to keep out moisture, bugs, and dust. Look for spots around doors and windows-they're sneaky.
3. Ventilation:
   Books don't like stale, humid air. Add vents or even a small air conditioning unit to keep the air flowing and the humidity in check. A dehumidifier can also work wonders if you live somewhere humid.
4. Lighting:
   Good lighting is a must. Go for energy-efficient LED lights, and maybe even add a skylight for some natural light (just make sure to use UV-filtering glass to protect your books from sun damage).
5. Flooring:
   Install durable, easy-to-clean flooring like laminate or hardwood. You don't want your library looking like a rusty cargo hold.

What Conditions Are Best for Books?

Books are kind of picky divas, but they're worth the trouble. Here's what they like:

• Temperature: Keep it cool and consistent. Around 59°F to 68°F (15°C to 20°C) is their sweet spot.
• Humidity: Between 30% and 50% humidity is ideal. Too much moisture means moldy books which completely defeats the purpose of a library. Too little means their pages will turn brittle.
• Light: Direct sunlight is a no-go. If you have windows, use blinds or curtains to block UV rays.

Step 3: Furnish Your Library

Here's where the fun begins-decorating! You've got a steel box with tons of potential. Time to make it cozy.

• Shelves, Shelves, Shelves:
  Install sturdy shelving along the walls to maximize space. You can go for floor-to-ceiling shelves or add floating shelves for a modern touch.
• Cozy Seating:
  A bean bag? A recliner? Maybe a window seat? Pick something comfy for those long reading sessions.
• A Desk:
  Add a small desk if you want to double your library as a shipping container office. Bonus points for one with drawers for extra storage.
• Decorative Touches:
  Rugs, pillows, and a few potted plants can make the space inviting. For extra charm, throw in some book-themed artwork or fairy lights.
• Tech Upgrades:
  Add a sound system or a small projector if you plan to host book club nights or just want some background music while you read.

Step 4: Keep It Organized

A personal library isn't just about having books-it's about showing them off. Organize your collection by genre, author, or color (for a fun rainbow effect). If you want to get fancy, add labels to your shelves.

Final Thoughts

Converting a shipping container into your library is a creative, budget-friendly project perfect for book lovers. With a little planning, some basic modifications, and a splash of personal style, you can create a unique, cozy reading space.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a shipping container for storage, roll up your sleeves, and start building your dream library. Your books will thank you, and so will future you when you're curled up inside with your favorite read.

------------------------------
Adam James EdD
Interport
New York City NY

Original Message:
Sent: 01-23-2025 01:01 PM
From: Cristina Heredia-Bosch
Subject: What can museums do to counter miss information?

Hello, what kind of miss information are you talking about?

------------------------------
Cristina Heredia-Bosch
Exhibits Manager
Zoo Miami
Miami FL

Original Message:
Sent: 01-22-2025 01:42 PM
From: Rachel Alschuler
Subject: What can museums do to counter miss information?

Dear All

What can museums do to counter miss information? I wonder in this time in the country how can museums spread facts and a more complete version of history.

I look forward to your responses and in-sight.

Thanks,

Rachel

------------------------------
Rachel Alschuler
Museum Education/ Visitor Experience
San Francisco CA
------------------------------

Dear All

What can museums do to counter miss information? I wonder in this time in the country how can museums spread facts and a more complete version of history.

I look forward to your responses and in-sight.

Thanks,

Rachel

Just to be clear, you are asking about misinformation, correct?

Dear All

What can museums do to counter miss information? I wonder in this time in the country how can museums spread facts and a more complete version of history.

I look forward to your responses and in-sight.

Thanks,

Rachel

Dear All

What can museums do to counter miss information? I wonder in this time in the country how can museums spread facts and a more complete version of history.

I look forward to your responses and in-sight.

Thanks,

Rachel

I am more concerned about the misinformation that museum professionals are promoting about our own field. Beginning in 2016, influential museum leaders in the United States have argued that women's growing presence in museum professions will inevitably drive down status and pay. This idea was based on a 1,500-word New York Times article that simplified a study of 20^th-century data, and it is patently untrue.  See: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/09647775.2024.2431898 or read the attached pdf.

Despite the fact that it has been discredited, this misinformation still appears uncorrected on the AAM's website here: https://www.aam-us.org/2019/03/25/museums-as-a-pink-collar-profession/

This fallacy has almost certainly adversely affected the hiring and promotion of women in museums, despite the fact that discrimination based on gender is illegal under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. 

All of this raises the question: How can we combat misinformation if we spread it ourselves?

Dear All

What can museums do to counter miss information? I wonder in this time in the country how can museums spread facts and a more complete version of history.

I look forward to your responses and in-sight.

Thanks,

Rachel

Dear Lauren

Thanks for bring this up. I think the best solution would be equal pay. I get how it is misleading to suggest that women working in museums will drag down all pay.

Thanks again,

Rachel

I am more concerned about the misinformation that museum professionals are promoting about our own field. Beginning in 2016, influential museum leaders in the United States have argued that women's growing presence in museum professions will inevitably drive down status and pay. This idea was based on a 1,500-word New York Times article that simplified a study of 20^th-century data, and it is patently untrue.  See: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/09647775.2024.2431898 or read the attached pdf.

Despite the fact that it has been discredited, this misinformation still appears uncorrected on the AAM's website here: https://www.aam-us.org/2019/03/25/museums-as-a-pink-collar-profession/

This fallacy has almost certainly adversely affected the hiring and promotion of women in museums, despite the fact that discrimination based on gender is illegal under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. 

All of this raises the question: How can we combat misinformation if we spread it ourselves?

Dear All

What can museums do to counter miss information? I wonder in this time in the country how can museums spread facts and a more complete version of history.

I look forward to your responses and in-sight.

Thanks,

Rachel

Dear Lauren

Thanks for bring this up. I think the best solution would be equal pay. I get how it is misleading to suggest that women working in museums will drag down all pay.

Thanks again,

Rachel

I am more concerned about the misinformation that museum professionals are promoting about our own field. Beginning in 2016, influential museum leaders in the United States have argued that women's growing presence in museum professions will inevitably drive down status and pay. This idea was based on a 1,500-word New York Times article that simplified a study of 20^th-century data, and it is patently untrue.  See: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/09647775.2024.2431898 or read the attached pdf.

Despite the fact that it has been discredited, this misinformation still appears uncorrected on the AAM's website here: https://www.aam-us.org/2019/03/25/museums-as-a-pink-collar-profession/

This fallacy has almost certainly adversely affected the hiring and promotion of women in museums, despite the fact that discrimination based on gender is illegal under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. 

All of this raises the question: How can we combat misinformation if we spread it ourselves?

Dear All

What can museums do to counter miss information? I wonder in this time in the country how can museums spread facts and a more complete version of history.

I look forward to your responses and in-sight.

Thanks,

Rachel

Dear All

What can museums do to counter miss information? I wonder in this time in the country how can museums spread facts and a more complete version of history.

I look forward to your responses and in-sight.

Thanks,

Rachel

Thanks Rachel. And thank you for the question. 

Dear All

What can museums do to counter miss information? I wonder in this time in the country how can museums spread facts and a more complete version of history.

I look forward to your responses and in-sight.

Thanks,

Rachel