In this paper, Robert C. Webb, of Suffolk University, presents literature related to much-debated topic about using music in an exhibit. In particular, Webb discusses four topics of interest to museum professionals: (1) the complexity of the term "background music" (2) the roles and uses of mood created by music (3) the use of music to cue appropriate behavior and perceptions and (4) the influence of background music on the comprehension of verbal material.
In this paper, the Exploratorium's Kathleen McLean discusses her concern about the quality of what museums offer visitors. McLean airs a number of assumptions, attitudes and misconceptions she frequently encounters in the process of designing and creating exhibits, basing much of her findings on her experience at the Exploratorium.
In this paper, Pedro J. E. Casaleiro of the University of Leicester (UK), Department of Museum Studies, discusses methodology and findings from a comparative analysis of audiences for "The Return of the Living Dinosaurs" exhibition in four separate locations: London, Paris, Spain, and Portugal. The exhibit consisted of robotic dinosaurs (animatronic models).
This paper presents basic information about the Americans with Disabilities Act and its physical guidelines presented in the ADA Guidelines. It also lists examples of ways museums and visitor attractions can creatively provide access in integrated ways, often at little expense or difficulty.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Paul BilziRobert AlexanderJean Parker
In this paper, researchers at Universidad Autonoma de Madrid discuss their evaluation study of the Tiphlologic Museum, a special project of the National Organization for Blind people in Spain. Key study objects, methodology, and findings are defined.
In his "President's Column," VSA President Ridgeley Williams discusses the usefulness of queues and goodness of crowds. He cites two recent experiences that improved his opinion of crowds and queuing.
In this article, Petra Seidensticker and Heiner Treinen, both of Universitat Bochum, discuss their evaluation work of the 1995 exhibition "Im Takt der Maschine," of the Deutsche Arbeitsschutzausstellung (German Exhibition for Safety on the Job, abbr. DASA) run by the Bundesanstalt fur Arbeitsschutz and Unfallforschung (Federal Institution for Worker Safety and Accident Research, BAU) in Dortmund. The purpose of the exhibition is to graphically familiarize visitors with important problems of worker safety in industrial production.
In this article, Hermann Schafer of the Haus der Geschichte der Bundesrepublik Deutschland (Museum for Contemporary History in Germany), discusses the institution's visitor studies work since its inception. Schafer outlines key moments in the museum's evaluation history, including its work after the unification of Germany.
In this article, Annette Noschka-Roos discusses a study of a computer-supported information system (CIS) touch-screen interactive in the "New Energy Techniques" gallery at the Deutsches Museum. The objective of the study was to gather systematic data on how the medium is used by visitors. Noschka-Roos provides key findings from the study.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Annette Noschka-RoosVisitor Studies Association
In this article, Patricia Munro discusses the "Baffling Beauty" project developed by the Anstiftung, a nonprofit research organization in Munich. Munro summarizes the development of this "health forum," traveling exhibition as well as how evaluation techniques were integrated into the exhibit planning and implementation process.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Patricia MunroVisitor Studies Association
In this article, Hans-Joachim Klein, of the University of Karlsruhe, and Patricia Munro discuss a comparative study of four health exhibitions to asses their effectiveness as a method of health promotion.
In this article, M. Hagedorn-Saupe discusses visitor-related research efforts at the Institute fur Museumskunde in Berlin. Hagedorn-Saupe provides an overview of data collection studies on museum visits and related projects, visitor research projects and collaboration with other institutions, and long-term projects at the Institute.