I have similar signing discussions with our staff.

Signs do not, can not, and will not control visitor behavior and they can't
make up for shortfalls in other areas. For example, how many times have you
seen a worn path in a grassy area despite signs telling people to go
another way...those people found the best connection between two points and
the designers either missed it or ignored it.

Perhaps it's best to start by placing yourself in the shoes of the sign
reader (your audience) and ask how yourself what communication method would
be most effective.

As others pointed out--gallery attendents can be very effective. Signs
worded in a positive manner and that cover a range of behaviors are
alternative methods of reinforcing a message.

You might also ask yourself what percentage of visitors engage in the
undesired behavior and why. If you find out why, you're halfway to the
solution. Really, how many babies touch your paintings and how else might
you keep them from doing so.

Any parent will tell you that it is unrealistic to expect all kids to be
strapped down in a stroller with their hands neatly at their sides. We want
parents and kids at our museums. Let's find a friendly way to accommodate
our needs and their desires.

Diane Gutenkauf
Manager, Interpretation and Exhibits
The Morton Arboretum
Lisle IL 60532
[log in to unmask]



On Mon, 14 Jul 2003 14:30:20 -0400, Gibson, Cecelia <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>Please don't shoot the messenger!
>
>I've been asked to post another question to the list regarding visitor
>behavior in the gallery.  The list we are compiling will be used by our
>Gallery Representatives as a guideline for what behaviors are acceptable,
or
>unacceptable in the gallery.  They can use the list as backup if a visitor
>confronts them on a policy.  The following statement is in regards to
babies
>in the gallery.  We have noticed on several occasions small children
carried
>on a hip will reach out and touch an unglazed painting, or object on
>display.  We would like to add the following statement as a means of
>alleviating this problem:
>
>"Babies must remain in strollers, if one is available.  If there is no
>stroller with the child please ask the parent or adult to hold on to the
>child's hand, and to make sure the child does not reach out and touch
>objects on display including the framed works on the wall".
>
>How have other institutions handled this issue?  Do you feel this is a
>reasonable request?
>
>Your responses are much appreciated!
>
>Best,
>Cecelia

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