Wednesday, September 23, 2015

photography in museums and libraries

Museo Nacional de Antropología - and no selfie sticks
These days I assume that it is fine to take photographs in museums, galleries, archives and libraries unless I see a sign saying I can't.  If I see a sign saying I can't take pictures I wonder why I can't photograph.  As long as flash options are turned off photography is safe for the items.  As long as people are considerate, photography is not disruptive to others - and it should not be disruptive to others.  I am not a fan of selfie sticks, but other than the use of these, mostly people are considerate when photographing in galleries.

In the Metropolitan Museum of Art they allowed photography, except of four paintings by Van Gogh.  It was a special exhibition, but not their only special exhibition.  There were lots of people looking at these four flower paintings, but there were lots of people throughout the museum.  I was wondering if it was to do with merchandising, but many of their items have copies for sale.  I do not know the reason, nor was asking possible.  It did not interfere with my enjoyment of these paintings, but it made me think about why photography seemed okay elsewhere in the museum.

If you stop people taking photographs, it can be helpful to explain why.  This can be part of the educative process.
ipad navigation at jewelry exhibition
Photographing collection items, or spaces is different to photographing people using those spaces.

Cambridge Public Library, MA required any photography to be have paperwork filled in, carried, and shown to all staff who asked.  When I visited their central library I was aware of this requirement.  I was impressed that every staff member who saw me with my camera (and I was trying to be unobtrusive), asked to see the paper work (or commented on the need for it until I showed it to them).  The consistency was impressive.  I do not photograph people in libraries (except for occasional back or partial views).  Sometimes it means that parts of libraries can not be photographed - so be it.  I don't want to be disruptive to someone's use of the space - not have to engage in a long discussion about permission.

If you ban photographs in certain areas, it can be helpful to educate your community as to why they are not permitted.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

library beers seem popular in Colorado...

I have recently seen a lovely blog post from Denver Library about their library beer, and you can read about it here.



In June I read about Anythink Library and their library inspired beer, which you can read about here.


A NSW council partnered with a brewery to produce Winged Victory ale (kind of a local studies beer).

I am wondering if other libraries or councils are considering a library linked beer.  I would be very interested to hear of any others.

There is also the work of the NSW Readers' Advisory Working group, which linked beer and reading.

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

My review of Atmosphere of hope

Atmosphere of Hope: Searching for Solutions to the Climate CrisisAtmosphere of Hope: Searching for Solutions to the Climate Crisis by Tim Flannery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a pacy and engrossing read. There is a story, with tenuous hope, but still with hope. Some possible solutions to help slow climate change are raised. They all require political will as well as dollars to be successful. There are some good examples of lobbying and advocacy. The science is very readable, and there are lots of references to additional resources. This is a book to read, think about and then take action.

I don't often read books as soon as they are released, there are usually good reasons to delay, like an every growing list of reading. I am going to hear Tim Flannery speak tonight, and I thought reading this book before the talk was a good idea.

View all my reviews