OP 30.03: Museum of Texas Tech University

DATE:  November 15, 2002

PURPOSE:  The purpose of this Operating Policy/Procedure (OP) is to ensure understanding and a standardized approach concerning the organization and responsibilities of the Museum.                       

REVIEW:  This OP will be reviewed by September 1 of every even-numbered year by the vice provost for academic affairs, with recommendations for revision presented to the provost by October 1.



POLICY/PROCEDURE

1.   The Museum Complex

a.   The Museum of Texas Tech University complex includes:  the main Museum building, the Moody Planetarium, the Lubbock Lake Landmark, the Natural Science Research Laboratory, and a natural history and archeological research site in Val Verde County, Texas. 

b.   The Museum is an integral part of the total university academic program, providing a unique teaching and learning environment through the preservation and presentation of scientific, historical, and cultural heritage. The Museum is a valuable resource for undergraduate, graduate, and individual study courses, as well as for members of the Museum Science and Heritage Management Programs. For example, the Moody Planetarium constitutes a laboratory for technical studies. Extensive work-study opportunities further enhance the value of the Museum to university departments. These facilities serve as a unifying agent for research and exhibit programs and the academic activities of departments. The general public may share in the academic activities of the Museum through special tours and programs that supplement regular visiting hours.

(1)   The Museum has established the following objectives:

(a)  To provide and encourage university educational and research activities, placing a special emphasis on the collection, documentation, preservation, interpretation, and dissemination of knowledge about natural and cultural material from the Southwestern United States and other regions related by natural history, heritage, and climate;

(b)  To develop new programs and services to meet the needs of university students and faculty; 

(c)  To serve the general public through educational exhibits and programs; and

(d)  To act as a responsible partner in the international community of museums, and to maintain and perpetuate the highest standards of museum ethics and practices.

(2)   Currently, the Museum contains educational exhibits featuring art, biology, history, ethnology, archaeology, paleontology, and geology. Several special areas are reserved for rotating and temporary exhibits.

2.   Activities and Facilities of the Museum

a.   The activities and facilities of the Museum of Texas Tech University are a part of the teaching and research function of the university. Accordingly, the Museum is supported in order to develop an excellent academic and cultural unit.

b.   The Museum of Texas Tech University Association contributes to this development by securing donations of materials and collections of historic, scientific, and artistic value. The Association also serves as a conduit for gifts with which to enlarge the Museum facility.

c.   The university serves as the holder of title to the following properties utilized in the operation of the Museum of Texas Tech University:

(1)   The Museum building(s),

(2)   Equipment and installations,

(3)   All materials and collections purchased with state funds and all materials and collections secured by staff whose salaries are paid by state funds, and

(4)   All materials and collections specifically donated to the university.

d.   The Museum will be administered by a director who shall be recommended by the provost to the university president and approved by the Board of Regents.

e.   The Museum of Texas Tech University Association will have the opportunity to provide advice and consultation in the process of selecting the director of the Museum.

 3.   Use of Museum Space and Facilities

a.   The Museum of Texas Tech University offers a variety of programs and activities, as well as serving as an extension of the research and instructional academic functions of the university. Selected facilities of the Museum may be made available for special purposes on approval of the director.

b.   The collections of the Museum are held in trust for the people of the state of Texas. Use of Museum collections for loan purposes (exhibition or research) must follow established Museum procedures and be approved by the appropriate collection curator and the director.

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