In a message dated 02-05-02 10:51:57 EDT, you write:

<< While it doesn't surprise me that  "docent" is a common term used by all
 museums, I am surprised that museum professionals would assume that the
 term is meaningful to all of their visitors or even to most of their
 members.

 If an institution is trying to recruit docents, and especially if they're
 having trouble getting volunteers, it may be helpful to interpret the term
 in the announcements asking for docents.  >>

I agree.  In advertising or announcements, you might want to use terms such
as guide or lecturer, but also include the word "docent" with explanation.
Alternatively, you might attract attention with "docent", e.g., "DOCENT???
What the deuce is a docent and why do we need them?"  Just learning an
unfamiliar word might (I should think) pique a prospective volunteer's
curiosity.  But as it is a common term in museums (especially in the U.S.), I
don't think it's wise to try to avoid or change it.  If museums are in the
"education" business, one thing they logically can teach is a little museum
lingo--I don't think learning a new word will hurt anyone, volunteer or
visitor.  I can just hear an enthusiastic new docent addressing a tour group:
"A month ago I didn't know what 'docent' meant--and now I AM one.  You know,
you can learn a lot in museums..."  I think it's a reasonably good hook.

David Haberstich

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