I like the step-on mat-type counters because you can separate visitation to
several different areas and hide them under a rug or other floor covering.
Some are more sensitive than others--the cheaper ones, for example,
sometimes miss counting children because they are too light to trigger the
mechanism.  They are also useful for triggering changes in light levels for
light-sensitive works, so when a visitor approaches the light level is
increased for them and decreases when they leave (although for that purpose
I like the ceiling-mounted sensors better).

You can find vendor names in the ads in the back of MUSEUM NEWS--fill in the
visitor response card and they will send you literature with pricing.

Julia Muney Moore
Director of Exhibitions and Artist Services
Indianapolis Art Center
820 E. 67th St.
Indianapolis, IN  46220
(317) 255-2464 x233
FAX (317) 254-0486
email <[log in to unmask]>


-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Laura Hansen
Sent: Monday, March 26, 2001 3:41 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Visitor Counting Devices


Hello. Can I get some brief reactions to the idea of devices designed to
count visitors entering an exhibition space?  Specifically, I'd like to know
if anyone has used a system that proved successful (inexpensive, accurate,
fairly unobtrusive) to measure visitation?  I'm working with a team of
curators on a large (~20,000 sq ft) transportation exhibit and need to
explore interesting and innovative ways to measure visitation.  I would like
to have an idea of how much it would cost (ballpark, of course) what
questions I should be asking and, if possible, which companies I should be
speaking with.  I thank you all for any ideas you might have.
Laura Hansen
National Museum of American History
Smithsonian Institution
Washington, D.C.

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