=46ascinating question- I think that bulletin boards for notices=
 and/or
comments is one of the least expensive and more effective ways to=
 provide a
forum for discussion between/among visitors and museum staff but=
 it is so
"low tech" it is perhaps under-appreciated.  We have had a drawing=
 board
and visitor comment boards in the past and they have been very interesting
and provided useful feedback, insight and encouragement.  I am amazed=
 at
the time people will take to pose questions, provide reactions, etc.=
  We
have even had resources suggestions for donations, etc.  We recently
decided to purchase a new bulletin board for comments and had an
interesting discussion about whether it should be locked (more control,
less "messy") or open.  I think that this minor detail really gets=
 to the
core of professional philosophy and how much voice or control we=
 really
want to allow visitors.  Personally, I'm all for "messy" if it is=
 more
engaging and supportive of visitors.  Course I have a two year old=
 so I'm
used to "messy"!
 
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Kris Morrissey, Ph.D.
Curator of Interpretation
Michigan State University Museum
E. Lansing, MI   48824
517 353-1943
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