Dear Barbara,
>Does anyone know the trade name of a type of motion
>detector that sounds if a patron leans over a barrier or
>gets too close to an object on display?


I know that the Pittsburgh Children's Museum has this type of motion
detector.  Because of professional curiosity, I leaned too far over a
barrier (at the Mr. Roger's Neighborhood Exhibit) and set off the alarm.  I
would definitely try them.

>Also, we are planning a map exhibition for next April, and
>one of the maps is rather large (63 inches high by 95
>inches long).  One group wants to either frame the map or
>enclosed it in mylar.  Another group has suggested hanging
>it with a pole through loops at the top, similar to the
>method used for hanging quilts and large flat textiles.
> Any suggestions?
You are probably safest with framing the map, although if it is fabric you
might be able to do the loop thing.  Then I would cover it with plexiglass
to discourage touching.
>
Lorri Brace Jacobs
Curator
McKinley Museum and National Memorial