It's interesting that you recommend a form. I just designed one (in response
to this problem) for visitors to fill out when they have a question that is
not answered by the exhibit or the docent on duty. Then we can respond
either by mail, phone, or e-mail. The docent would not be the one who would
be doing the research or checking on the information. I'm curiosu as to why
you would get flamed for this suggestion... most museums I've worked with
site this as the ideal model, where visitors receive answers to their
questions at a later date if they cannot receive immediate answers. Unless
it is a very time-consuming request.. we do start charging research fees
after the first 1/2 hour.

Erica S. Maniez
Museum Director, Issaquah Historical Society
425/392-3500
[log in to unmask]
www.issaquahhistory.org

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
> Behalf Of Christopher Dill
> Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2001 2:07 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: docents: do they have to be an authority?
>
>
> This subject was discussed at some length a couple of months ago
> in light of customer service standards and attitudes.  You might
> check the archives for that thread.  I agree with you that
> docents/guides should be well informed but know where to look for
> further information.    I got flamed when I said that docents
> should take addresses and send information, but you may have
> better luck with the list.  Unless your docent is with you for a
> long time and does continuous research they can't possibly know
> everything, so a mechanism to respond later seems very practical to me.
>
>
>
>
>
> Chris Dill, Superintendent
> City of Greeley Museums
> 919 7th Street
> Greeley  CO  80631
> T:  (970)350-9217
> F:  (970)350-9570
> E: [log in to unmask]
> www.greeleymuseums.com
>
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