Page:The museum, (Jackson, Marget Talbot, 1917).djvu/82

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THE MUSEUM

considerable expense. The small pipes running to the different parts of the building can be planned so as to take telephone, electric light and telegraphic wires from the watchmen's boxes. If all these things are planned ahead the expensive necessity of later changes will be avoided. The telephone people, if left to themselves, will bore holes and run their pipes, leaving no chance for any one else. No sooner have they finished than the burglar protection people will come along and need wires in almost the same places. That will mean another set of borings.

There should be at least one drinking fountain where the ever-thirsty public can be refreshed. Few people who have not been obliged to face this realize that not a day goes by without frequent requests for water. On each floor a mop closet should be provided with a slop sink and running water. There should be in connection with the rooms of the staff a chance to wash the hands, for the handling of documents and works of art makes this necessary. The provision of a toilet here also is a desideratum. In the case of a large museum a men's staff room and women's staff room are sometimes provided, and these are given elaborate toilet arrangements. Perhaps the simplest means of meeting all needs is to provide two bath rooms in connection with