What we've done is basically what you suggest. We divide the file up into
tracks for each object, label the tracks with numbers e.g. "Track
1--Lincoln's Baltimore Address" with corresponding signs on the object
label, and install the tracks on the mp3 players as a playlist. In terms of
making the files available for people to put on their own devices, we do not
have anything specific on site (I don't think people usually travel with
their cables anyway), we just post the files on the website, both as
individual tracks, and as a zip file containing all tracks. Right now we
don't have any audio up on the site since none of our current shows have
audio components, but we will be putting up audio soon for a new show.
As far as hygienic concerns, when we started we talked to Winterthur about
what they do since they've had iPod tours for a while and they told us that
they bought a bunch of disposable earphone covers, but nobody ever asked for
them and they just had boxes of them sitting around. So we decided not to
worry about it and just to go with plain-old cheap over-the-head earphones
and we haven't had any problems, so far. We do keep extras on hand in case
of breakage, so I suppose if someone was really concerned we could give them
a fresh out-of-the-package one, but it hasn't really come up. Once again,
we're a small place, which may affect people's attitudes.
Kathy
-----Original Message-----
From: Eric Espig [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 10:46 AM
To: [log in to unmask]; Kathy Haas
Subject: Re: iPod Tours in Museum
To Katherine Haas,
I am curious as we are planning our mp3 player audio tour, how you organize
the media for the visitors.
is it one long audio file? or do you break it up into smaller tracks? that
seems like the best way but then how do you connect the audio to the
visitors surroundings and make it easily accessible and "on demand" for the
visitor? Without the luxury of a punch in code-style standard audio guide
unit.
I am thinking the easiest way would to be to create an m3u file for download
and then simply keep the names of the tracks as 1,2,3,4 ..... and putting
numbered signs beside the corresponding area of the building and on the
visitor map.
Also, do you provide a media centre for people to download the audio on site
or is it all web based?
Also, what do you do for earphones - hygienic concerns - disposable,
washable/reusable, or replacement foam pads etc...
really any help would be appreciated!
Thanks.
Eric Espig
Manager of Programs
Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum
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