Steve-

Last year I did a survey of children's museum professionals for my thesis
and received quite a high return rate...something close to 40% if I remember
correctly.  I used a paper survey, I also requested permission from my
museum to use letterhead, I think that helped to bring attention to the
survey, though I don't think it is absolutely necessary. I sent a cover
letter along with my survey to explain who I was, why I was doing the survey
and the topic of my thesis. I made sure to use a brightly colored piece of
paper, I think bright yellow.  The survey was short, it fit onto the front
of one page, which I think was a major factor for the return rate.  Also, I
made sure that, whenever possible, I sent the survey to a person rather then
a title.  I used the AAM membership list which I found in the library...I
think SF State has a copy,  and just went through the whole list to find
children's museums.  I also used the internet to find museums that were not
members.  If a contact name could not be found, I made phone calls or sent
emails explaining my survey and requesting the name of the exhibit developer
or if that position did not exist, the person to whom it would be most
appropriate to send the survey...I definitely ran into the situation where
one person shared several job titles.  That piece of information was
actually an important finding.  I think that it can tell allot about what is
or isn't done at a museum. I also sent a self-addressed stamped envelope
with the survey which I think was the most important thing to include and
will definitely guarantee a higher return rate.  I hope this information
helps and good luck.

Jennifer




Jennifer Rothman
Education Director
Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
Phone: (650) 329-2412
Fax: (650) 473-1965

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