The Smithsonian Center for Museum Studies announces its next workshop:

Introduction to VisitorStudies

                July 13-17, 1998
        Application Deadline: May 18, 1998

In an increasingly competitive environment, museums today are focusing
new attention on their visitors -- who they are, why they come, what
they want, how they respond, and how they are affected over the
long-term. Since most museums do not have the resources to hire
professional researchers to answer these questions, investigations of
visitors are often requested of staff members who do not have extensive
experience in this area.

This workshop is designed to offer basic training in designing,
conducting, and analyzing studies of museum visitors.


Sessions in this five day program cover:

    *Choosing the Appropriate Study Method
    *Selecting a Reliable Sample of Visitors
    *Designing and Conducting Formative Evaluations,
     Surveys, and Interview Studies
    *Observing and Tracking Visitors
    *Analyzing Data, Reading Tables, and Visualizing
     Results


The workshop will be conducted by the Smithsonian's Institutional
Studies Office. Principal instructors will be:

    * Zahava D. Doering, Director
    * Andrew J. Pekarik, Museum and Exhibition
     Audience Analyst
    * Jean Kalata, Social Science Analyst


Introduction to Visitor Studies will take place at the Smithsonian
Institution in Washington, DC. The program is designed for people who
are responsible for understanding or serving visitors in their museum.
Eligible are museums with 501(C)3 qualification. Museum staff from any
size institution are welcome to apply. The center places special
emphasis on the needs of staff from institutions having budgets less
than $250,000 and having five or less full-time staff. Eligible are
staff, volunteers, and board members, inpaid or unpaid positions. Up to
18 participants will be selected on a competitive basis.

A $325.00 tuition fee covers all course materials and a group luncheon.


For more information or an application contact:

Bettie Lee, Curriculum Manager, Workshop Series, Center for Museum Studies
MRC 427, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560  202-357-3101


Program Information and application also available at:
www.si.edu/cms/train.htm

Bruce C. Craig              Internet:  [log in to unmask]
Center for Museum Studies   Smithsonian Institution
A&I 2235-MRC427             Washington, DC  20560
(202) 357-3148              FAX:(202) 357-3346