In a study we recently conducted of members of the Museum of Anthropology
(where labelling is sparse in many galleries), we posed a question about
labelling.  The answers we received back (about 500), broke relatively
evenly into two groups:  the first felt strongly that the aesthetics of
the museum were such that labels would interfere with visitors' enjoyment
of objects and spaces (and views out) and that if some people wanted more
information, there were many other, less oppressive sources available;
the second felt equally strongly that the museum should not expect people
to come with enough cultural knowledge to figure out what they were
looking at and it was our responsibility to make the learning process
easier for them.  Of course there were people "in between" too, many
offering creative solutions (computer access, layered labelling, handouts,
guided tours, and audio guides).

Though members are no doubt a more knowledgeable bunch than casual
visitors, we believe the findings are useful to rethink our service to all
visitors.

Kersti Krug
Museum of Anthropology
The University of British Columbia
Vancouver, Canada