EMAIL DETAILS

VBO - Interview with Maggie Williams, Director of IOP, Kennedy School

5/9/16

Maggie’s remarks about what is needed in Biden Library / Institute.


Maggie worked on the inception of the Clinton Library.


Needs:


Office space


Gathering space – function space needs to be flexible to accommodate 50-250 people

Green room

Media room –

studio – in addition to a company that lets JRB speak from his desk and

can beam people in

Extra office space for visiting dignitaries

Food – good caterers

Student space to hang out

Meeting space for student meetings


Junior faculty?


Question – What will attract other people?


Library - #1 priority – write the Story about what he cares about to show funders. Start with a Book

The physical setting should relate to the Story-

Look for the “arc” in the life of this great man.

Get several groups of people together – separate packs – and get the particulars that created this man who became VP – different people from different times in his life. With different perspectives of him, and who care about different issues.


Need Exhibits - Tourist attractions

One need one’s hero to be BIG – have a Big dimensional piece, like the Amtrak train car - then scale that mode to make him human, like all the train tickets.


Look online for stats – information for who goes to Museums from the 5 surrounding states

Need public transportation available where you build this

Need lots of gadgets – IT stuff


*** Gift Shop is need - it is the biggest revenue getter - key is to get a good buyer, Not museum buyer. There is a WH Historic Assoc, which is good. Heather will introduce me to the guy, Stuart Mc ???

MY BIG IDEA – get Ray-Band to sell their glasses with JRB on the side – get some of the profit.


A Bar is needed in addition to the food. Need a place for a “nice lunch” – you can meet up with students here too.


Need 2 types of Architects:

1. Designer/ Curator

They think OF “THE SPACE”, objects for display – the feel

v Ralph Applebaum is her first choice. She will call him for us and go with me to meet him. First consultation is free- and she says he is the best

2. BUILDER – STRUCTURE

Ceiling has different heights

Walls are moveable

Think about outlets and lighting (outlets – hide them in the flooring under the board – pill them up w/ a magnet

Issue: open space office vs private – most don’t like open


Auditorium – every balcony has only 1 row – 296 seats


Coat Check – need a big space


Last private museum – a canary on the reading room.


Gate Money – doesn’t provide much revenue, but Membership dues do.