What does IQ have to do with your small museum? Well, more than you might think. But first we need to define the terms “IQ” and “small museum”.

The American Alliance of Museums reports that 57% of its members operate with staffs of 3 people or less, and another 21% of its members have staffs that number between 4 and 10 people. That’s not a lot of folks taking on the important task of informing, engaging and teaching audiences about a multitude of natural and cultural topics. It may seem daunting, maybe even impossible given the limited resources of time, labor and dollars. But here’s where the IQs come in. Not ‘Intelligent Quotient’. In this case, IQs are ‘Incorrect Questions’.

In “QBQ! The Question Behind the Question”, John G. Miller defines an IQ as a question that is negative and doesn’t solve any problem. One of his examples: “Why are we always so short-staffed?” Sound familiar? Here are a few more that might ring true for small museums: When are we going to get the funding we need? Why do I have to do everything around here? Who is going to finally understand our importance to the community?

What if we banish IQs and look for the Question Behind the Question (QBQ). If IQs don’t solve any problem, then correct questions should, right? Miller explains that asking the right questions starts with personal responsibility; QBQs start with What or How, contain an “I”, and focus on action. What can I do to improve the situation? How can I do my job better? Now those are QBQs!

Here are a few ideas to get you started down the path to answers:

• Consider the 5 M’s of interpretation in Make Your Own Plan. This blog will detail essential planning elements and walk you through the Management, Markets, Message, Mechanics, and Media you’ll need to address.

• Gotta have funds! Find out how much by learning about the ins and outs of how square footage and exhibit complexity affect your budget in The Exhibit Budgeting Tool That Will Save You Time & Money.

• Did you know that more is less when it comes to graphics? Read more in DIY Museum Graphics.

• See how all these elements can come together in an effective exhibit for a small museum. Our client, Anita Purves Nature Center, combined a versatile use of available space, some already owned and collected artifacts, and some simple big box store purchased items into an effective visitor experience. Read their story here: Do It Yourself Exhibit Design and Fabrication.

Focusing on what you don’t have is a waste of time and energy, and doesn’t solve any problems. Instead, turn your attention and energy to what you do have. Take responsibility, ask the QBQ, and move forward!

Where can your QBQ take you?