How can new technologies improve the way we introduce visitors to our museums?
I have proposed a panel on this topic for the Philadelphia meeting and find
that I need two more panelists. The purpose of the session is to take a brief
look at past orientation programs (e.g. films, videos, slide shows, graphics),
identify the positive features of these media, and explore the uses of new
technology in development and presentation of orientation programs for museum
visitors. Some of the questions and topics to be addressed are: What are the
aims of such programs? What is the optimal amount of time one whould spend in
orientation activity? How important is interactivity? How does one measure
successful orientation? How does one integrate orientation with other museum
programs (gateway to permanent collection, special exhibitions, tours)?
 
If you are interested in participating in this session and have experience in
developing or evaluating orientation programs, please contact me directly, NOT
the list, or call me at the number below. I am especially interested in small
to medium-sized institutions, history or science museums rather than art
museums. (The other panelist is from an art museum.) Please respond no later
than Thursday, August 18. Thanks.
 
National Museum of African Art          (202) 357-4600 ext. 240
Smithsonian Institution                     FAX  (202) 357-4879
Washington, D.C. 20560                     [log in to unmask]