Student Staff Manual

About the Museum

Mission Statement

The Spurlock Museum celebrates our shared humanity by collecting, preserving, documenting, exhibiting, and studying objects of cultural heritage. The Museum’s primary function is education in service to students, scholarly communities, and the general public, interpreting the diversity of cultures through time and across the globe. Its collections constitute a public trust to be responsibly maintained for future generations as a permanent record of the cultural World.

General Information and History

The Museum is both an educational and a research institution. It shares its collection and information with the public through exhibitions, guided tours, special programs, events, and its website. It helps to extend the boundaries of knowledge through study of the objects it collects. It is a resource for scholars, students, and the public at large to learn about the earth’s inhabitants.

In 1911, the University of Illinois established museums of classical and European cultures on the fourth floor of Lincoln Hall, drawing upon the University's 1874 Gregory collection of plaster casts. An Oriental museum was added in 1917. Over time, the museums were combined and eventually renamed the World Heritage Museum in 1971.

Beginning in 1998, and lasting for four years, the Museum was closed to the public while the staff was busy moving the Museum’s collections and planning and building the permanent exhibits. The staff also was kept busy conducting educational programs in outreach to schools and the community. In 2000, the World Heritage Museum was renamed the Spurlock Museum in recognition of the generous gift that made the new facility a reality. The new facility opened in 2002, featuring cultural galleries that reflect the diversity of the museum's collection. Additionally, some spaces throughout the Museum have been devoted to temporary exhibits.

Organizational Structure

Museum functions are divided among six sections (Administration, Collections, Education, Information Technology, Registration, and Security). Each section has a section head that is responsible for the activities of his or her section and all staff assigned to it. Certain sections also have assistant section heads. When section heads are not available, these staff members take responsibility for the smooth operation of section activities. Each section head, within the limits established by Museum policy, determines the levels of authority and responsibility within his/her section.

1. Administration

The mission of the Administration Section (Director’s Office, the Business Office, and the Special Events Unit) is to provide stewardship of financial, administrative and human resources services, allowing other Museum sections to perform their functions efficiently and effectively.

In carrying out this mission, Administration Staff will:

• Provide guidance and leadership to the staff of the Museum.
• Serve as an advocate for the Museum with University administration on issues of budget, finance and staffing.
• Give strategic direction, and ensure long-term financial stability.
• Provide leadership in opportunities for development by meeting with potential donors and promoting the Museum in the surrounding community.
• Provide management oversight and responsibility for all financial functions and oversee all Museum income and expenses.
• Serve as the Museum’s Human Resource Office by assisting with job searches, processing appointments, entering payroll and leave reports, assisting staff with benefits inquiries and acting as the unit liaison with University Human Resources.
• Maintain the quality, appearance and safety of the Museum building and surrounding grounds by coordinating requests for the repair, maintenance and upgrade of Museum facilities.
• Coordinate administrative, staffing, and technical support associated with the use of Museum public facilities by managing special events in the Knight Auditorium and other Spurlock Museum spaces, hosted primarily by external organizations.
• Provide rental visitors with a positive experience, while maintaining the security and safety of both Museum collections and visitors.
• Serve as a point of contact for auxiliary Museum support groups as the Spurlock Museum Board and Spurlock Museum Guild and work with such groups in efforts to support the Museum and its mission.

2. Collections Management

The mission of the Collections Management Section is to preserve and safeguard the physical integrity of the Spurlock Museum’s collections; the Collections Management Section also enhances the aesthetic presentation of artifacts through exhibit design while educating others about ideals of preservation.

In carrying out this mission, Collections Management staff will:

• Ensure long-term preservation of Museum objects through preventative conservation methods of proper handling; designing, building and implementing storage solutions; and monitoring and controlling the Museum’s environmental conditions.
• Conserve and/or preserve artifacts as needed.
• Administer and advance the Museum’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program by sustaining a clean work environment, monitoring traps, and treating the building and artifacts as needed.
• Pack and ship artifacts.
• Document the history of the physical integrity of artifacts through accurate/current condition and conservation records.
• Design, build, and mount permanent and temporary exhibits.
• Provide scholars and educational groups access to Museum collections for research and teaching purposes.

3. Education

The mission of the Spurlock Museum Education Section is to develop and present interpretive content—in exhibits, programs, events, and publications—that fosters increased understanding of and appreciation for the cultures of the world, around the globe and throughout time. In concert with this mission, the Section works to address the topics of identity and cultural heritage within a multicultural society and ethics within a global community. In support of this, the Section strives to engage audiences of all ages and diverse backgrounds within a creative learning environment characterized by open discussion and fair exchange.

In carrying out this mission, Education staff will:

• Develop, schedule, promote, and present educational programs and events, including group tours, gallery-based interactive programs, exhibit openings, lectures, films, and performances.
• Coordinate the creation of feature gallery and temporary exhibits, working with Museum staff, curators, and other scholars to determine interpretive focus and create content.
• Design and produce exhibit labels and various informational, educational and/or promotional pieces: flyers, brochures, postcards, posters, etc.
• Coordinate development, edit copy, and facilitate publication of annual Spurlock Museum Magazine and Newsletter.
• Create informational and educational pieces of various types for the Museum’s web pages.
• Manage Teaching Collections, including acquisition, storage, database content and assignment to programs and loans through the Educational Resource Center.
• Create and manage budgets for funds assigned to the Section, including data entry for the Cultural Data Project and all activities related to Section grants.

4. Information Technology

The mission of the Information Technology Section is to support the Museum by providing an infrastructure of innovative, accessible technology in networked computing and media and to produce programming and electronic resources that positively impact productivity, education, and outreach.

In carrying out this mission, Information Technology staff will:

• Facilitate the organic growth of the Museum’s database system.
• Administer technical support to maintain the Museum’s core technology.
• Ensure long-term and stable access to the Museum’s digital information.
• Research and provide consultation for relevant technologies and applications.
• Provide engaging digital content and programming that complements the Museum’s galleries, collections, and events, including the production of a dynamic website.
• Assist with other various initiatives and problems relating to technology and the use of information within the Museum and University campus.

5. Registration

The mission of the Registration Section is to serve as a steward for the records and documentation of the Museum’s collections and history, and thereby safeguard and enhance the value of the Collections and to facilitate and contribute to the growth and refinement of the Collections.

In carrying out this mission, Registration staff will:

• Collect, preserve and manage information in the form of paper records, computerized records, two dimensional photographic images, and digital images and recordings relating to the collections, their acquisition, provenance, history and context.
• Contribute to the safeguarding and preservation of the collections via cataloguing, documentation, photography, physical processing, inventory, physical care, and preventative conservation.
• Implement acquisitions, loans and deaccessions according to Museum and university policy and procedures as well as local, state, federal, and international laws and regulations.
• Facilitate and promote access to information and collections for educational, scientific and scholarly purposes.

6. Security

The mission of the Spurlock Museum Security Section is to provide a safe and welcoming environment to our patrons, staff and guests, as well as to ensure the safety and security of the Museum facilities and collections.

In carrying out this mission, Security staff will:

• Patrol areas within Spurlock Museum.
• Enforce pertinent administrative rules and regulations.
• Provide protective services to include Security and Safety escorts.
• Govern facility access, equipment security, staff, patron and guest conduct.
• Respond and investigate breaches in physical security.
• Assist/escort patrons, staff and guests in emergency situations, including medical emergencies.
• Orient F&S/University staff to appropriate Museum locations.
• Assist patrons, staff and guests with general questions.

Basic Guidelines

General Work Requirements

Every student staff member is assigned to a particular section. Your section head will be your primary supervisor unless you are told otherwise.

Work Schedules

Each student will have a set work schedule to be determined as early in the semester as possible. Different sections work different hours; both you and your supervisor will determine your work hours. Student employees traditionally have had considerable latitude in drawing up their schedules; we understand that you are students first, and we are willing to work around your commitments. However, once you have established your schedule, we expect you to follow it. If you need to change your work schedule (e.g., your class schedule has changed), we expect to be notified as soon as possible in advance in order to adjust accordingly.

Time Sheets

You are responsible for recording your work hours. Always remember write your name on your timesheet and sign in and out. You will only be paid for the hours you have completed on your time sheet. Falsification of time sheet information is grounds for disciplinary action. Your section head and/or supervisor will show you the location of your time sheets and give you instruction on filling them out. Your section head will forward the time sheets to the business manager for payroll once every two weeks. Pay is calculated by tenths of hours; a chart for converting minutes to tenths of hours is located in each time sheet binder.

Student staff are paid by direct deposit. Undergraduates and other hourly staff members are paid every other Wednesday. Graduate assistants are paid on the sixteenth of each month. Newly hired employees usually receive their first pay a month after beginning their position.

Yearly Reviews

At least once annually, your supervisors review your achievements over the past several months to a year. This review will identify problems and strengths in your performance and provide you with future goals. It will also present you with a forum to comment and suggest improvements regarding your section.

Student Staff Advancement

Each section has its own objectives and roles within the Museum; therefore, each section works with students differently. Each section head specifies student jobs, roles, and responsibilities within the section. Students typically advance in their level of responsibility according to their skill level and experience with the Museum.

Disciplinary Action

When official disciplinary action against a student staff member becomes necessary, the standard procedure is as follows: first, a verbal warning is issued; second, a written warning is filed if the offense is repeated; and finally, responsibilities and/or privileges may be revoked or the employee may be dismissed, depending upon the circumstances. Particularly serious offenses may merit an immediate written warning or even demotion or dismissal. The student’s section head will initiate official disciplinary action. If the student works in more than one section, the section head in whose area the offense falls will initiate the action (or the student’s primary section head will take action if the offense is not specifically related to the student’s duties). All disciplinary action is reported to the Director and Security, as appropriate.

Students may appeal any disciplinary action through the University’s grievance procedures.

Personnel Policies

Discrimination and Harrassment

The Museum adheres to University policy regarding discrimination and harassment. More information can be found in the Campus Administrative Manual and in the Campus Conduct Policy found at the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Access.

University Policy on Protection of Minors

On November 8, 2012, The University Office of Human Resources and University Ethics Office issued an important policy statement regarding the protection of minors (children and youth under the age of 18), particularly when on University premises, participating in University programs, and/or in the care of University staff. Bring any questions about this responsibility to your immediate supervisor. The policy and procedures as well as a collection of FAQs are published on the University Human Resources website in the Policy Library section.

Grievance Procedures

Whenever possible, interpersonal problems should be solved informally. However, if you have a problem with a colleague and cannot reconcile it individually, see your section head. If your grievance is with your section head, see the Director. If the problem still cannot be resolved, you may file an official grievance with the University of Illinois. For further information, see the University’s Student Employment site.

Professional Conduct

Professional Conduct Guidelines

Although we are not always working in the public eye, we must still present a professional face behind the scenes at all times. We frequently receive visits from scholars, potential donors, and other VIPs. Always be polite to visitors, especially when you are trying to find out who they are and what they want. Asking "May I help you?" is usually a good beginning.

Dress as neatly as your duties require. Clothing should not have rips or holes. Do not wear sleepwear, sweatpants or cut-offs to work. You may wear shorts, skirts, and dresses if they are of a reasonable length. Specific dress requirements may be enacted for certain work tasks, special projects, and special occasions. Supervisors have the authority to make these understandably subjective determinations and may send you home to change, if needed.

Please discourage your friends from making personal visits on your work time. Do not allow personal visitors into your work area without prior clearance from your section head. If you receive personal visits on work time, and it interferes with your work, it will be considered grounds for disciplinary action.

Because you are both a student and an employee of the University, it is expected that you conduct yourself accordingly. It is important that you understand that your behavior, personal representation, communication, and online profiles, even when in a strictly personal context, may have implications for the Museum and the University. Student employees are expected to conduct themselves in ways that promote a positive image of the Museum and the University.

Punctuality

We expect all employees to arrive for work on time. Please arrange your schedule to allow time for travel between classes and work. In other words, do not agree to come in at 10:00 if your class at the Vet Med building ends at 9:50.

The people you work with depend on you. Tardiness is not only a nuisance but can also seriously disrupt workflow. If you are late, other staff may have to cover your assigned duties or your colleagues may have to wait for you to show up to continue their work.

If you are more than ten minutes late, or absent without properly notifying your supervisor, more than once during a semester, you may incur disciplinary action.

Planned Absences

We ask that you request time off at least one week in advance. Please remember that schoolwork comes before work here; if you need time off to complete class work, do not be afraid to ask for it as soon as possible! Your section head and/or supervisor must approve time off.

Unplanned Absences

If you are likely to be more than ten minutes late for work due to illness, or other unavoidable circumstances, we expect you to call and notify your supervisor. If your supervisor is unavailable, leave a voice mail or e-mail message.

Leaving Work Early for Illness or Other Emergencies

If you become ill while at work and feel that you cannot or should not continue to perform your duties, report to your supervisor before leaving if possible. You should always let a staff member know you are leaving.

Breaks

Your section head may authorize and enforce rest or break periods up to fifteen minutes for each half-day of work (a four-hour shift). Break periods cannot be combined, nor can they be used at the beginning or end of the day (late start or early quitting time) or to extend meal periods. Check with your section head as to where and when breaks may be taken. Employees who work seven continuous hours or longer must take an unpaid break of at least thirty minutes.

Personal Communications

1. General Restrictions on Personal Communications

Student staff are expected to effectively manage their use of communications technologies in a way that does not interfere with their work or the work of others. In addition to the rules set forth below, your supervisor may provide additional guidelines and clarifications that are relevant to your workspace or job duties.

With the exception of communication related to Museum business, you should work to minimize distractions caused by email, text messages, voice calls, and social media, whether access to these is on your personal device or on a device owned by the Museum.

Please turn your personal phone off or to a silent mode when you enter the Museum. Keep in mind that even a phone that is set to vibrate can be a distraction to you and those around you.

Unless otherwise instructed, only initiate and receive communication of a personal nature during break times, away from your regular workspace. Unless the computers in the Break Room (room 018) are in use, they are always available for your personal use. If you are expecting urgent messages or are experiencing other extenuating circumstances, let your supervisor know so that special arrangements can be authorized.

2. Music

Music is allowed in certain work areas. Each section has its own music policy designed to maintain a pleasant atmosphere. If you are allowed to use headphones, keep the volume low enough that you can still hear the telephone or someone talking to you.

General Restrictions on Personal Use of Museum Supplies and Property

As a reminder, State of Illinois ethics policy forbids the use of University property, including photocopiers and supplies, for personal purposes.

Authorized Computer Use

Many Museum jobs involve computer use. Your supervisor will specify allowable activities, which may include checking e-mail for work purposes, conducting Internet-based research, and accessing Museum digital files or databases.

Access to Museum databases is controlled by a personal password you set. Do not, under any circumstances, share this password or allow another employee to access Museum resources using your login information. Each staff member has a unique set of database privileges. If you find that your permissions are not adequate for your job duties, you must inform your supervisor, who can request additional privileges on your behalf.

Access to other Spurlock digital files may be controlled by additional passwords. If your work requires use of secure Spurlock data files that you do not have access to, a supervisor will open those files for you. If your job requires you to work with certain files regularly, you may be entrusted with the password(s) to those files. Do not give these passwords out to anyone unless you are authorized to do so by your supervisor.

Receiving Visitors

Often visitors have appointments with staff member(s). Full-time staff expecting visitors or volunteers should be waiting for their guests. If the visitor has an appointment, but the staff member involved with the meeting is absent, please escort the visitor to the appointed meeting room and inform an appropriate staff member or your supervisor.

If you are unsure of the meeting location, escort the visitor to a staff member who can assist them. Never leave visitors unattended in secure locations such as those that require a keycard for access.

The door between the lower level lobby and the secure office area (by Room 002) has a doorbell that sounds a double chime. If the double chime repeats without the door being answered, please answer it and direct the visitor according to the guidelines outlined above.

In contrast, Security Section Staff are responsible for answering the single chimed exterior dock door (adjacent to room 111). Do not answer this door yourself. If you are expecting a visitor, pre-arrange this with your supervisor and Security.

Public Relations

The Director is the official spokesperson of the Museum. We encourage you to publicly share information on hours of operation, tours, exhibits, and educational programs. If you are approached by the media or any other outside agency seeking information beyond that above, refer them to the Director. Student staff members must not discuss confidential information with outside agencies or individuals. Read more about confidential information in the Security section below.

Do not take or share photographs of artifacts, storage areas, exhibits during installation, copyright restricted Museum exhibits (as posted), or confidential documents, unless otherwise assigned by your supervisor.

Please consult with your supervisor if you have any questions about these issues or the limits to what can be shared.

Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco

The Museum adheres to University policy regarding drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. This policy is found in the Campus Administrative Manual.

Ethics

Ethics Training is mandatory for all University of Illinois employees, as defined in the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act (5 ILCS 430). All University employees must complete ethics training each calendar year. Communications regarding training requirements are made through official University e-mail accounts.

Building

Museum Entrances

When you are working, you are required to enter and depart the building through the dock door. You may use the main entrance if you are not reporting for work.

Proximity Cards (Key Cards) and Keys

The Security Supervisor issues the Museum’s proximity cards and the majority of the Museum’s keys. Your proximity card also functions as an ID badge and should not be defaced or obscured. An individual long-term key form from the Security Section must be filled out for proximity cards. While at the Museum, staff must keep their proximity card with them at all times. Without exception, you must never hand your proximity card over to another person. As long as you are signed out for that card, you are responsible for it no matter who is in possession of it. If you find a key or proximity card, turn it into a security staff person immediately. Proximity cards must be returned to Security upon employment discharge.

Some sections have collections of keys available for exclusive use by members of that section while at work. The use of these keys is authorized by section heads or by their designees. In some cases, there is a formal procedure for signing these keys in and out. Be sure to follow instructions regarding use and remember that you are responsible for your use of these keys. You must return the keys to your section’s storage location when not in use. Loss or improper use may result in disciplinary action.

Student staff members are never to remove Museum keys from the premises. Notify your supervisor immediately if you do so. Any keys not accounted for constitute a serious security breach, and disciplinary action may follow.

If a proximity card is missing or lost, immediately contact Security as well as your supervisor, so that it can be temporarily deactivated to ensure the security of the Museum. If a proximity card is missing or lost for longer than five business days, there is a non-refundable ten-dollar charge for the replacement card.

Coat Closet

Student staff may leave coats and backpacks in the coat closet located in corridor 001, near the lower level restrooms, or other areas, as designated by your section supervisor.

Restrooms

Restrooms are located on the lower level and the first floor (see maps). Please help keep the restrooms clean.

Telephones

1. General Telephone Usage Guidelines

Check with a supervisor before making any calls. Do not make long distance calls unless you are specifically instructed to do so by a supervisor. As a general rule, only use (answer or call out on) phones labeled “General Use.” Each section may have different procedures for answering the phones in the section’s workspace.

If you need to reach someone in the Museum, simply dial the phone number listed on the phone.

If you are working in an area with a General Use phone, and the phone rings three times without being answered, it is your responsibility to answer it.

General Use phones can be found in the following locations:

• Artifact Storage
• Break Room (room 018)
• Photo Lab (room 211)
• Conference Room (room 006)
• Exhibit Prep (room 019)
• Auditorium (room 115A)
• ZLC (room 105)
• IT (room 010)

When answering a phone, politely greet the caller with "Spurlock Museum, {location}, this is {name}, how may I help you?"

If you take a call for another staff member, try to find the person, take a message, or give the caller the staff member’s direct phone number so that he or she can leave a voice mail. If you need to leave the phone, first put the caller on mute (the caller will hear silence) or hold (the caller will hear music). Be sure to tell the caller to stay on the line.

When you take a message, make sure that the intended recipient gets that message. All messages should include the caller’s name, the date (and time) of the call, a number and/or email where the caller may be reached, and your name.

2. Advanced Telephone Procedures

On phones with a 6-digit PIN number affixed to the phone, you may place the caller on hold, transfer the call, or add other callers.

1. Press the center button under the screen (either a lock or exclamation icon).
2. Choose "Unlock"
3. Enter the 6 digit PIN number on the phone
4. You may press Hold directly or press the center button again for transfer and other advanced options.

Phones with 6-digit PIN numbers can be found in the following locations:

• Exhibit Prep (room 019)
• Auditorium (room 115A)
• ZLC (room 105)
• Information Desk
• IT (room 010)

Maps

• 
  Lower Level
• 
  First Floor
• 
  Second Floor

Security

General Security Information

The Security Supervisor is responsible for the safety of Museum staff and building security; however, all Museum employees are responsible for knowing and following basic security policy and procedures. Personal safety comes first, followed by the safety of the collections.

Many areas of the Museum are under video surveillance. Certain areas of the Museum have been designated as secure areas with restricted access. Keys and proximity cards are given out to individuals needing access to these areas. Student staff members are not allowed to enter certain highly restricted areas without permission or instructions from their section heads.

Breaches of security are taken very seriously. If any staff member is found to be responsible for a security breach, disciplinary action, including dismissal, may follow, even on the first offense. In extreme cases, criminal charges may be filed.

Secure Areas

If you work in a secure area, never allow anyone in unless you know that he or she is authorized to be in that area.

Whenever you leave a secure area, make sure that the door is properly shut and locked. Do this every time you leave a secured area, without exception.

Confidential Information

In addition, certain information about the Museum’s collections is considered secure. If you are entrusted with information that your supervisor indicates as secure, you CANNOT reveal it to any unauthorized persons. Assume a person is unauthorized unless you know otherwise.

Student staff members must not discuss confidential information with outside agencies or individuals unless they have prior clearance from the Director. Confidential information includes, but is not limited to, personal contact information of staff and volunteers, personal donor information, values of artifacts, storage locations of artifacts, locations of storage areas, delivery and pickup dates and times for artifact shipments. Outside agencies include friends, traditional media, social media, Facilities and Services personnel, and administrative and academic units of the university. Exceptions may be made in the case of special circumstances or grievances. Please direct all such inquiries to a section head or the Director.

Security Alarms

The building perimeter and certain interior doors are alarmed. Your proximity card has been programmed to allow you to enter certain secure areas during specific timeframes. If you accidentally trigger an alarm, it is your responsibility to remain calm and follow the directions below.

If you cause an alarm upon entering the building, immediately exit the building via the dock doors and wait for the Campus Police, Security Staff, or senior members of the Spurlock Museum staff to respond. This may take time, but DO NOT LEAVE. It is important that you stay in the vicinity of the Museum so that the proper authorities can gather information. If the Campus Police arrive, explain what happened and show them your Spurlock ID. They may also ask to see your driver’s license and Student ID.

If you cause an alarm once inside the building, remain where you are, and responding staff members will find you. You will be asked to explain the situation, and the alarm will be turned off and reset.

Reporting Abnormal Conditions

Good security is largely a matter of prevention and alertness. When working in the Museum, be aware of what is going on around you. If you observe anything unusual, report it to a section head. The situation or activity may be completely innocent, but if you do not know, ask.

Any abnormal conditions may threaten the safety or security of people or the collections. If you can do so safely, address and report them as soon as you can to Security or a full-time staff member.

Examples of abnormal conditions that should be reported:

• Visitors interacting with exhibits or objects in unauthorized ways
• Unauthorized person found in a secure area
• Theft
• Vandalism
• Water leaks
• Water left running in the Museum’s sinks
• Elevator not operating
• Fire, smoke, or unusual odors
• Suspicious bags, packages, etc.
• Accidents or injuries

Health and Safety

General Safety Guidelines

Your responsibilities for promoting health and safety include the following:

• Following safety and health standards and rules defined in the Hazard Communications Program and guidelines supplied by your supervisor, as well as by common sense.
• Reporting all hazardous conditions to a security staff member.
• Reporting illness, accidents, or injuries to the nearest staff person, your supervisor, or Security staff.
• Using all required protective equipment and/or clothing as prescribed by your supervisor.
• Not operating any mechanical equipment or using any chemicals unless you have been authorized to do so and have been instructed in their proper operation.

Emergency Response Guide (Flipbook)

This flipbook is located in many locations throughout the Museum. You are required to read this flipbook. Know where the flipbook closest to your workspace is located. Periodically re-familiarize yourself with the content of the flipbook. Refer to it in the event of any emergency.

First Aid Kits

The primary staff-use first aid kit is available in corridor 005, by the Break Room (room 018). Additionally, there are first aid kits in the Wood Shop (room 020) and in the Security Office (room 111). A burn kit is available in the Collections Manager’s Office (room 016). See the maps in this manual for a visual guide of first aid kit locations.

Hazard Communications Program

The Spurlock Museum Hazard Communications plan is developed in accordance with University of Illinois, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Illinois Department of Labor regulations to protect workers from harmful exposures to hazardous chemicals. All Spurlock Museum staff members and volunteers must undergo annual hazardous product training to be aware of chemical products they may come in contact with in the workplace. Annual training includes reviewing information regarding the dangers presented by products used at the Museum, as well as proper handling practices. Also, all products within the Museum are inventoried and tracked on a monthly basis by designated sectional representatives. Staff participation in this plan ensures the Museum is compliant with federal law and supports the Museum’s goal of being accredited by the AAM. Most importantly, it ensures staff members have the proper information and tools to protect themselves in the work environment.

The "Right to Know — Compliance Center", where the Material Safety and Data (MSDS) sheets are located, is next to the first aid kit on the wall between Exhibit Prep (room 019) and the Break Room (room 018). See the maps for more information. The binders are sorted alphabetically by product name. Products that contractors distribute and/or use are listed alphabetically by product name in a separate binder. The MSDS sheets have safety information regarding specific chemicals and products; some of the sheets also have specific treatment action for accidental contact.

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management Overview

The Museum’s strategy for controlling and eradicating pests is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The components of our IPM program include monitoring, inspection, identification and record-keeping, treatment actions, habit modification, cultural practices, good housekeeping, and education. Implementing all these components reduces risks to artifact collections and will ensure that the Museum remains a relatively pest-free environment. IPM is a team effort. One person’s actions may undermine the whole system. Be familiar with and follow the IPM rules. If you notice someone breaking these rules, please gently remind them to follow the rules and report it to their supervisor.

Rules regarding Food and Beverage

1. Food

• Food may only be eaten in the Break Room (room 018).
• Transport food in closed containers.
• Store food in sealed containers only in the Break Room (room 018) or in the kitchenette (room 119). Refrigerators are available in each location.
• Dispose of all food trash in a covered trashcan.
• Clean up any areas where food was consumed.
• If you eat food outside the Museum, on the Museum grounds, dispose of your food trash in the dumpster.
• Do not chew gum anywhere in the Museum.
• If necessary, cough drops are permitted throughout the Museum; wrappers must be disposed of in a covered trashcan. However, do not use cough drops when working with artifacts.

2. Beverages

• Beverages may be drunk in all office areas, the lower administration wing hallway, lower lobby (room 001), the ZLC (room 105), and at the Exhibit Prep (room 019) computer workstations.
  • In addition, closed containers are required for beverages consumed in the lower lobby (room 001), ZLC (room 105), Assistant Director of Education’s office (room 116), and Special Events Coordinator’s Office (room 115A).
• Beverages may not be drunk in the General Work Room (room 011), the Auditorium (room 115), storage, exhibit spaces, and at the Exhibit Prep (room 019) work tables and in any spaces where artifacts may be present.
• Special permission may be granted for water in closed containers in the Photo Room (room 211) and exhibit spaces. See your supervisor for details.
• Transport beverages in closed containers, including when necessary to pass through stairways, elevators, and gallery spaces.
• Dispose of all beverage trash (containers, tea bags, etc.) in a covered trashcan.

3. Special Events

There are occasions such as exhibit openings and other special events in which food and/or beverages are allowed in areas where it is normally restricted. These occasions are regulated by other Museum guidelines. For more information please see Special Events Policy and the Integrated Pest Management Policy.

Pests

• Stay vigilant for any pests within the Museum and notify the Collections Management Section whenever pests are found.
• Follow instructions and use supplies found in pencil box IPM kits to capture pests. See your supervisor for the location of these kits.
  • If you are afraid of the found pest, contact your supervisor or a member of the Collections Management Section staff for assistance.