Eduardo,
  Another problem is the different groups within the museum.  I once
proposed to have a temporary exhibit of shells, changed every 3-6 months.
Each display would illustrate a different aspect of biology and
malacology.  mayby one 3 month period it would focus on variation in a
species, and one could deal with color, another with fossil ancestors,
etc.  These would be designed for short term exhibit, and then the shells
would be returned to the collection.  The idea was appreciated by some,
but others would not lower the standards for exhibits.  The cost would
have been too high to do a quick exhibit.  Thus the idea died.  It was
unfortunate, the public would have seen more of the collection, we could
have taught them more, and all would benefit.  I keep pitching the idea,
but doubt I will get anywhere.
  the other kicker was that I was willing to plan the exhibit and do most
of the work.  Since I'm a volunteer, their costs would be minimal...still
didn't budge the exhibits dept. at all.

Charlie
******************************************************************************
Charlie Sturm, Jr
Research Associate - Section of Invertebrate Zoology
                     Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, PA
Assistant Professor - Family Medicine

[log in to unmask]