BREAK DOWN THE SILOS: UNDERSTANDING AND OVERCOMING BARRIERS BETWEEN EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENTS IN MUSEUMS
BREAK DOWN THE SILOS: UNDERSTANDING AND OVERCOMING BARRIERS BETWEEN EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENTS IN MUSEUMS
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Issue Date
2011
Authors
Lodge, Jennie
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Abstract
In this master's project, I look at the concept of silos in museums with a focus on two departments: education and development (the department responsible for fundraising to supplement financial needs of programming and other museum activities not covered by operating expenses). I began by looking to literature on the topics of the changing role of educators in museums, silos in corporate settings, and articles discussing change for museums in the 21st century. Then I interviewed nine museum and fundraising professionals, particularly within the education and development departments, to get an understanding of perceptions of roles and communication within their organization. The comparison between corporate silos and the communicational barriers between museum departments proved to be similar. Based on these comparisons and discoveries, 1 have made recommendations to improve relationships among staff members and between the education and development departments. The recommendations also address ways to evolve an organization's structure and to utilize teamwork in order to adapt the 21st century in museums. I believe these recommendations will build stronger relationships, improve cross-departmental communications, and lead to increased efficiency and opportunities for successfully reaching both educational and fundraising goals.