You may want to think about whether audio tours or something more advanced
(e.g. PDA based program) is better for you. Also I would check out
www.parc.xerox.com/csl/projects/guidebooks/ to learn about some of the
latest thinking in this area.

But aside from that, technology is less an issue than content development.
Grant deadline aside, I would suggest preparing a number of tour messages on
plain old audio tape, and do some content testing to see if you meet your
goals. Does it really do a better job than labels of sharing the
information, importance, or meaningfulness of the object being describe.

Finally, if you are university-based you might consider partnering with any
new media or information technology department in your efforts.  These
departments are often eager to incorporate real-world projects into course
material.

Hope this helps a bit.

len steinbach
c.i.o.
cleveland museum of art.

-----Original Message-----
From: Dave Watkins [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, February 05, 2003 11:54 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: audio tour technology


Cristina,
If you are "only" looking for equipment, and not assistance in content
development or production, I would suggest considering the JVC Audio
Guidance System. It is a MP-3 player using a compact flash card, and I think
they are about $500/unit. Our clients have been quite happy with their
performance.

The web site is http://www.jvcpro.com.

Regards,
Dave Watkins
IMPACT Communications
[log in to unmask]


----- Original Message -----
From: "Cristina Muia" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 04, 2003 10:02 PM
Subject: audio tour technology


> Hello,
> I need a little direction and guidance in terms of
> finding the right audio equipment/technology to start
> up an audio tour for our university library/museum in
> Kentucky.
>
> Could someone share with me what technology they have
> found most useful-digital or cassette and/or the names
> of vendors who were helpful and cost efficient? Also
> any lessons learned while developing your audio tour
> would also be appreciated.
>
> We are preparing a grant to purchase about 10 piece of
> audio equipment. Thank you for any assistance.
>
>
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do you Yahoo!?
> Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now.
> http://mailplus.yahoo.com
>
> =========================================================
> Important Subscriber Information:
>
> The Museum-L FAQ file is located at
http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed
information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message
to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help"
(without the quotes).
>
> If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to
[log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff
Museum-L" (without the quotes).
>

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at
http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed
information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message
to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help"
(without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to
[log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff
Museum-L" (without the quotes).

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).