When I was an interpreter, a long, long time ago, and also when I gave
gallery and lab tours as a museum conservator, I was often offered
tips. I would explain that it was the policy of my institution for
employees not to accept tips, but if they felt strongly about their
experience that it would be great if they took the time to write a
letter and express themselves to the management - that personal
letters from visitors were read and valued. And if I encountered a
disgruntled visitor whose issue I could not resolve, I would offer the
same suggestion to them - that often a personal opinion expressed in a
letter was taken seriously. I think that one of the most important
skills in public contact and education is in finding opportunities to
let your visitors / audience know that you are listening to them too.

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Conservator
Los Angeles, California

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