Absolutely.  Even with school groups we explain why you can not do
certain things.  It is an opportunity to educate.  Help the visitors
understand the need to preserve artifacts, specimens, and artwork.

"Because I said so" just doesn't satisfy anyone and curiosity can often
get the best of anyone!

cmm
Christina M. Myatt
Theatrical Programming Coordinator
Putnam Museum
1717 West 12th Street
Davenport IA 52804
563.324.1054 ext. 207 (phone)
[log in to unmask]


-----Original Message-----
From: Jennifer Rothman <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2003 08:04:56 -0400
Subject: Re: Visitor conduct, sensitive issues...

> I'm a big fan of knowing why I can or can't do something.  I think
> signs that tell us or staff that tells us this can do two things.  I
> think it keeps us from being a little cynical towards our
> visitors--we must be able to justify the rules we make. Its very easy
> to make unnecessary rules. I also think it provides a learning
> experience. For example, Why can't we use a flash?  What does it do
> to the artwork?  We may know, but our visitors might not.  It might
> give them more reason to follow the rule if they knew.
>
> I certainly understand the need for this rule in the presence of
> precious artwork. However, I recently was doing some work in a
> science museum and visitors were not allowed to take pictures (not
> even without a flash).  I couldn't find out why...it seemed rather
> arbitrary to me.  Especially since taking pictures is a great way for
> families to enhance their visit, extend their memories and perhaps
> make a lasting connection to the museum.  I really wanted to know why
> that rule was there and nobody could tell me.  It made me a little
> angry that there was no justification. Which leads me to another
> point.  Make sure employees know why the rule is in place.  When I
> worked at an aquarium, we had a no flash rule in some areas and I
> always instructed my staff that if you have to tell people not to use
> their flash, they should give the reason as well.
>
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