If you are writing policy, I think it is valid to request that pagers and
phones be set to "vibrate" or low ring volumes.  You could also request
that all outgoing phone calls be made in that section of your museum which
normally houses public phones and restrooms.  All that these requests are
asking for is simply good public behavior.

It's a new technology and people are still treating the phones with kid
gloves (must answer, must answer).  In a few years, most people will
probably let voice mail take messages while in public spaces.  I do think
it is more of a problem to the visitor than all the signs posted at museums
prohibiting the carrying of concealed weapons.  Geez, I have yet to be
annoyed by a gun-toting wacko.  I have been annoyed by a phone carrying
bureaucrat.

Talk in galleries is appropriate if it is a part of a groups' museum
experience.  True...humans do chat when in groups, but at least their
bodies are in the building experiencing the museum together.  This Friday
morning the galleries are ringing with children's voices and most of the
conversation is on topic.

Sally (witness of one man with two phones on table in restaurant...each
phone played La Cucaracha VERY loudly.  Management intervened.)


Sally Baulch-Rhoden
Collections Manager
Cultural History Division
Texas Memorial Museum

Science is a Cultural Construct

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