Another thing to consider in regard to exhibit labels is the basic type
of label. Some prefer a template drawing of the entire case or shelf
with a "paint by number" field and the object in the case simply has a
number that corresponds to a large description of items. I am of the
camp that prefers a distinct label that is placed directly and
consistently by the object described; it is easier for the viewer to see
the object and its description if they are immediately next to each
other. 

As, I believe, the whole point of an exhibit label is to communicate the
significance of an object to the viewer, it is important to ensure that
objects are spaced enough to allow for the label and the object as a
unit. Labels that are too close to each other can be confusing and
renders the label useless if you can't tell which object it is
discussing. We have a small exhibit case in the Visitor's Center, so I
can appreciate how difficult it is to pare down objects selected for an
exhibit. Choose a few to tell your story and don't try to include EVERY
example you have. 

Also, you might wish to consider what our Assistant Curator Amber King
did to make labels more legible - use a one color gradient background
for your text box if you use MS Word. The subtle variation and a pale
background helps the text to pop.

That's my two cents.

Ware

L.W.S. Petznick, Ph.D.
McFaddin-Ward House 
Curator of Collections
725 Third St.
Beaumont, TX 77701
[log in to unmask]
www.mcfaddin-ward.org
409.832.1906 p
409.832.3483 f

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Lisa Holley
Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2005 9:49 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Poor Exhibit Label Text

Not sure if this is what you're looking for, but in
one of the exhibit cases at National Museum of the
American Indian, the exhibit labels do not correspond
with the artifacts. They were installed opposite, the
labels read one way and the artifacts go the other.



--- Pete Salmon <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Would you like to share examples of poor label text
> you have come across.  I have been compiling 
> examples for a future presentation.   
> Thanks!
> 
> Pete Salmon
> Interpretive Planner
> [log in to unmask]
> 
>
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