Exhibit labels, like any other example of the written word, is not the place for contractions, it is the place for proper English usage (that would be the commonest common denominator).
And as for someone reading out load, if you really watch and listen, when people read, for example, "is not," what they typically say is "isn't" etc. If you put it in proper form, the public will interpret it themselves.
Those who write for a publication, or produce exhibits should use the correct form to start with, if for no other reasons than to show we can use the proper form, and when quotations are present, it also helps them stand out and gives context to the quote.
My 2¢ worth, from a former editor.

--
Chris Taylor
Executive Director
Atchison County Historical Society
P.O. Box 201
200 S. 10th Street, Santa Fe Depot
Atchison, KS 66002
913-367-6238
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Diane Gutenkauf wrote:

> I agree with Gene, contractions do have a place in exhibit labels.
>
> One visitor behavior I've had the pleasure to observe is of a visitor
> reading a label outloud to another visitor. I keep this in mind when
> writing labels and often read them aloud to see how they sound.
>
> Complete contraction avoidance makes labels sound stilted, we use
> contractions in everyday speech, so I'd argue for them in label copy.
>
> As for writing labels targeting one comprehension ability over another,
> I believe Beverly Serrell puts that idea down nicely in her book "Exhibit Labels"
> when she says: (page 95)
>
> "...select the style and content that will work for the commonest common
> denominator. Aim for the majority. Appeal to the would be readers--people
> who will read if the label is short enough, if it looks easy to read, if it is legible,
> and if they have time."
>
> She devoted a chapter to this topic. Worth reading
>
> Diane Gutenkauf
> Manager, Interpretation & Exhibits
> The Morton Arboretum
>
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