Grand Lodge Library and Museum Committee - Position Plan
he Grand Lodge Library and Museum Committee, through its physical complex has as its mission the preservation of Masonic knowledge and artifacts such that they may be of use to all of the Masonic family and, indeed, to all of mankind.
The Library accomplishes this primarily through the printed medium. In the past, this has been accomplished through the traditional methods employed by all libraries. That is to catalog and warehouse shelves full of books and thereby make them available and accessible to patrons.
Library science is not a static thing and is continually adapting to changes in technology, especially the computer and the internet. In order to provide service to those doing Masonic research (one of the major goals of our library) and those who use our other services, it is necessary that we follow the solid dictates of modern library science and adapt to change also. Eventually, this means making all of our material available to anyone in the entire world with an interest in Masonry.
The museum collects and preserves those artifacts that depict the history of Freemasonry and particularly those Freemasons of the Grand Jurisdiction of Washington. Added to this is the special mission of the Museum to make these artifacts available to all within the Jurisdiction not just to those privileged few who are within reasonable striking distance of the Museum.
Like Library Science, modern Museum Science is adapting to technological as well as societal changes. It is no longer a viable strategy to expect patrons to travel any great distance to view Masonic artifacts. It is no longer a viable strategy to ignore the benefits that may accrue from the use of the internet in conjunction with the Museum. It is no longer a viable strategy to remain static … patrons expect more.
All museums of any consequence continually renew their displays ... unless they don’t have enough material to do so. Even then, they re-arrange displays in order to appear different. The reason being that the patrons expect change ... unless of course, they are among the few who suffer from a phobia about change.
The goals of the Library and Museum Committee are to make the resources of both the Library and the Museum available to as wide an audience as possible. This will be accomplished through adhering to the principles of modern library and museum sciences by:
What might we expect from all this activity?
In summary, it can be said that, in the modern world, nothing is constant except change. Both the Library and Museum are involved in that change and it is only through the teamwork of the entire Committee, including ALL the volunteers, that we are going to be able to keep up with the future. The only question that should be asked is whether we are changing fast enough to remain relevant in our modern society.
The Library accomplishes this primarily through the printed medium. In the past, this has been accomplished through the traditional methods employed by all libraries. That is to catalog and warehouse shelves full of books and thereby make them available and accessible to patrons.
Library science is not a static thing and is continually adapting to changes in technology, especially the computer and the internet. In order to provide service to those doing Masonic research (one of the major goals of our library) and those who use our other services, it is necessary that we follow the solid dictates of modern library science and adapt to change also. Eventually, this means making all of our material available to anyone in the entire world with an interest in Masonry.
The museum collects and preserves those artifacts that depict the history of Freemasonry and particularly those Freemasons of the Grand Jurisdiction of Washington. Added to this is the special mission of the Museum to make these artifacts available to all within the Jurisdiction not just to those privileged few who are within reasonable striking distance of the Museum.
Like Library Science, modern Museum Science is adapting to technological as well as societal changes. It is no longer a viable strategy to expect patrons to travel any great distance to view Masonic artifacts. It is no longer a viable strategy to ignore the benefits that may accrue from the use of the internet in conjunction with the Museum. It is no longer a viable strategy to remain static … patrons expect more.
All museums of any consequence continually renew their displays ... unless they don’t have enough material to do so. Even then, they re-arrange displays in order to appear different. The reason being that the patrons expect change ... unless of course, they are among the few who suffer from a phobia about change.
The goals of the Library and Museum Committee are to make the resources of both the Library and the Museum available to as wide an audience as possible. This will be accomplished through adhering to the principles of modern library and museum sciences by:
- Using computers and the internet.
- Continuing to strengthen and expand the satellite library system.
- An ever changing museum display.
- Mobile museum displays to be used in conjunction with Masonic activities throughout the jurisdiction.
- Making use of artifacts and collections on loan to the museum from Masonic collectors.
What might we expect from all this activity?
- A more public and positive image of the Fraternity throughout the Jurisdiction.
- A greater service to the individual Lodges and members throughout the Jurisdiction.
- A greater interest in joining into the work of the Fraternity.
- A greater knowledge of and pride in the Fraternity by our members and their families.
In summary, it can be said that, in the modern world, nothing is constant except change. Both the Library and Museum are involved in that change and it is only through the teamwork of the entire Committee, including ALL the volunteers, that we are going to be able to keep up with the future. The only question that should be asked is whether we are changing fast enough to remain relevant in our modern society.
