It is a great idea to establish a style guide and commit to standard for punctuation. A standardized font size, leading and column width is a starting point, although this may need to be flexible depending on the range of exhibits.
Another really good tool to have is a preferred character count.
Knowing these guidelines when creating tombstone labels, as well as standards for image credits and accession numbers would be really useful for a writer or researcher.
Good luck with your project.
Carol Lieb
Content Design Collaborative
781-378-1484
www.contentdesign.me
May 31, 2012 11:53:08 AM, [log in to unmask] wrote:
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Thanks for all of the input from everyone. Peter, to address some of your comments- the guide we are hoping to create is more of a style guide in the sense of the MLA or APA or Chicago style guides used in academic writings. It would lay out standards for the mechanics of the written word within an exhibit, not the content, if that makes sense. We would use it as a reference when working with curators and other content specialists, who may come from a different writing background, to get everyone on the same page. (Whether or not to use the oxford comma, for example). We do consider all of the things you've suggested (audience, content, etc.) with each new project- and as we move forward to refresh our permanent galleries. They are definitely important things to keep in mind as we move forward.
Best regards,Allie
On Thu, May 31, 2012 at 9:39 AM, Norman Paul Stromdahl wrote:
The National Park Service also has a number of guides available. Some have a modest cost but all are based on years of experiences. See; http://www.nps.gov/hfc/products.htm
Regards, Paul
On Wed, May 30, 2012 at 9:18 PM, Larry List wrote:
The Smithsonian Guidelines to Accessible Design might be of considerable interest. They do a great job discussing type fonts and sizes; heights and sizes of signage; types of photo elements; and many other aspects of display with concern for accessibility and visibility for special needs visitors.
Larry List
Independent Curator
New York, New York
On 5/30/2012 12:04 PM, Allison Francies wrote: Hi All, We are currently in the process of creating an exhibit text style guide- to serve as a foundation and reference for all future exhibits and teams. The guide would include standards for grammar, formatting and order of information in tombstone labels, as well as standards for image credits and accession numbers. I was curious if anyone out there had one they use for their museum that they would be willing to share.
Feel free to email me off-list at [log in to unmask] or [log in to unmask]
Many thanks,
Allie
Allie Francies Exhibit Developer Penn Museum [log in to unmask]
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