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We don't charge the public - it's a core service and can be important in collections development in some cases. It can also be a way in to natural history recording and the development of independent interest and expertise. However, the resource is managed - we have an enquiries focus in the Angela Marmont Centre in the NHM where enquiries are logged, answered where possible or triaged and passed on to specific experts around the institution. There is also some direct contact from the public across the science staff, particularly where the scientist is known to external specialist groups. We also have online ID forums on our website where photos are posted and AMC staff reply with ID, but over time an increasing number of external enthusiasts are also answering queries - the idea is to get a community of interest developing where expertise is shared. I've also seen a little ID from staff taking place on Twitter, but this is not that common. John John Jackson | Science Policy | Science Directorate Natural History Museum | Cromwell Road | London SW7 5BD | UK Tel: +44 (0)20 7942 5257 | Mobile: +44 (0)776 814 2277 [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> http://www.nhm.ac.uk/science | http://www.nhm.ac.uk/sciencestrategy | http://www.nhm.ac.uk/natureplus/blogs/science-news http://sciencepolicy.myspecies.info/ @nhm_science | Skype john.jackson.nhm From: The Natural Science Collections Association discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Waterhouse, David Sent: 08 July 2014 10:59 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Charging for enquiries Dear all, We don't currently charge for public ID enquiries at Norfolk Museums Service, because of the points already outlined in previous e-mails. I am fighting to keep it that way, but I fear this may be a loosing battle in the end. My philosophy is that the more efficient we can make ID enquiries, the longer it can remain free to the public. However, like many other museums the lack of staff is a real problem for us. I'm now the only member of the Natural History Department, and I deal with both fossil/geological enquiries as well as biological. One of the ways I've found to get around the problem is by only accepting ID enquiries from East Anglia, or that are relevant to our collections. This obviously involves some discretion by our Visitor Services staff, but it does seem to be helping. It has certainly stopped the, 'I found this rock on my holiday in Gran Canaria, can you tell me what it is' type of enquiry. Another way of dealing with ID enquiries which may save on staff time, is to set aside a particular day each week or month when people can bring things in. I've been doing this once a month at Cromer Museum, for example. That way you can get through common easily identifiable IDs quickly without too much paperwork. I've produced a number of fact sheets for commonly brought in IDs, so that they can be given out without writing a full report. We've also been putting on regular 'Fossil Roadshows' across Norfolk in association with the British Museum (for lithics) and the Natural History Museum -- which links into the 'Cromer Forest-bed Fossil Project' and the 'Ancient Human Occupation of Britain' project: www.ahobproject.org/EHHP/<http://www.ahobproject.org/EHHP/> I hope these thoughts help. Yours faithfully, David Dr David M Waterhouse BSc (hons) PGCE MSc Curator of Natural History and (Acting Curator of Geology) Norfolk Museums Service Norwich Castle Study Centre, The Shirehall Market Avenue, Norwich, Norfolk NR1 3JQ Telephone: (+44) (0) 1603 495883 Facsimile: (+44) (0) 1603 493623 E-mail: [log in to unmask]<blocked::mailto:[log in to unmask]> While officers make every effort to be accurate, Norfolk Museums Service cannot accept responsibility for any opinions expressed on item(s) submitted for examination. Officers of the Norfolk Museums Service are not permitted to give valuations, or to assist in the disposal of private property or to recommend business firms. [cid:image002.jpg@01CF9A9D.FCD404D0] Norwich Castle May 24 - September 14 2014 ----- Original Message ----- From: "The Natural Science Collections Association discussion list" <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>> To: <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>> Cc: Sent: Tue, 8 Jul 2014 07:55:01 +0000 Subject: Charging for enquiries Hi All, Just doing a bit of research. Does anyone charge for enquiries from the pubic? Not researchers, or press/TV, just people bringing in specimens for curators to look at? Thanks all, Jan Jan Freedman Curator of Natural History Economic Development Plymouth City Council Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery Drake Circus Plymouth PL4 8AJ T +441752304765<tel:%2B441752304765> E [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> www.plymouth.gov.uk<http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/> -- To see our email disclaimer click here http://www.norfolk.gov.uk/emaildisclaimer