Hi Mark,

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art <http://www.lacma.org> recently
began using a self-guided audio tour system for its permanent
collection.  The museum has been using audio tours in special
exhibitions for quite some time.

The device is a CD-ROM player, which is very easy to use and requires no
rewinding.  The user simply enters the number of the piece to hear about
it (featured works have the tour number printed clearly on their
didactic labels).  The device is also ADA-friendly, with braille on the
keypad and an LCD display that enables the user to read every word that
is said.

The audio tours are rented for $3.00, and there is also a "family pack"
which involves the use of multiple headsets.  When issued, a driver's
license is collected to ensure that the device does not grow legs.  The
devices are shock-resistant and seem to hold up pretty well.

If you would like more information, please contact me off the list and I
can refer you to the person in charge of the project.

Regards,

Christian C. Burke
Protective Services Department
mailto:[log in to unmask]

---

Mark Vang wrote:
>
> Hi museum-l'ers,
>
> How many of you use hand held audio tour units at your facility?  If so, do
> you rent them to visitors, hand them out for free, or are they for special
> purposes such as translation?  How many of these units are in use at your
> facility?
>
> How do you keep them from walking out of the building?  Do you get a credit
> card# or drivers license?  How well do they held up?  How often do you change
> the messages?  What type of content do you use them for... exhibit
> interpretation, daily schedule of events, activities, other?
>
> What do you feel are the pros and cons of these systems from your own
> experience.
>
>         Mark C. Vang : Freya Ventures : (757) 340-0099
>                 2100 Mediterranean Ave. Suite 15
>                    Virginia Beach, VA 23451
> >   [log in to unmask]    :    [log in to unmask]      <
> * Interactive touch screen exhibit software/systems and exhibit  *
> * technology integration for Museums, Science Centers, Aquariums *