Some time ago I suggested that  DO NOT TOUCH!!!!!  signs could be 
replaced by examples of different materials on boards with one half 
protected by a piece of plexi.  Visitors are encouraged to touch the 
uncovered material which becomes very ratty after a short time while the 
protected half remains in original condition. No matter how many 
exclamation marks you include this technique can't be beat by a sign. 
The concept is not mine, it was recommended by Gail Niinimaa a textile 
conservator working out of Calgary Alberta, but I have used it many 
times. We presently use it for school groups and it is very successful.

An image of such a panel or panels (even if it has to be artificially 
aged under strict laboratory conditions) could be the ticket for your 
presentation. Even better,  a series of time lapse images.

As for the No RUNNING a piece of thin, clear, flexible sheeting 
strategically  placed  across a blind corner.....................

Laurel Spencer-Forsythe wrote:
> A group of educators working in collaboration with museum staff to develop
> curriculum materials objected to the negative approach to traditional museum
> rules like "don't touch" and "no running." While it was easy enough to put a
> positive spin on "no running" and turn it into "walk"-- we are having more
> trouble coming up with a positive way of communicating "don't touch" clearly
> in written form (this is in a PowerPoint presentation that serves as a field
> trip orientation). 
>
> One teacher suggested stating the ways that touching damages works of art
> and artifacts, which is a method I've often seen used effectively, BUT we
> need a pretty basic directive not an explication of conservation theory.....
> The "museum rules" slide is the last slide after a pretty lengthy
> presentation (about 80 slides), so the message needs to be brief.
>
> Any great ideas out there you can share?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Laurel Spencer Forsythe
> Executive Director
> Ruthmere
> 302 E. Beardsley Ave.
> Elkhart, IN 46514
> (574) 264-0330
>
> www.ruthmere.org
>
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-- 
Fred Greene
Administrative Manager
University of Lethbridge Art Gallery
4401 University Drive
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4
Tel. (403) 329 2569
Fax (403) 382 7115
http://www.uleth.ca/artgallery/ 

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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).