I have found that, at best, "do not touch" signs are only a gentle reminder. Some people will touch regardless - they can't help themselves. The same people, I'm sure, that touch the paint to see if the "Wet Paint" sign is really telling the truth. If velvet ropes aren't an option for you (or something similar), a psychological boundary may help. Just position the objects so it is a little awkward for a guest to reach them. Many people will avoid touching if it is very obvious that they are doing so. Greg Pottsgrove Manor Historic Site ________________________________ From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Heidi Campbell-Shoaf Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 10:17 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [MUSEUM-L] "do not touch" labels I just opened a new exhibit in which there are several pieces of furniture on display as well as glass, ceramics, artwork, etc. All of the small, fragile items are under vitrines but the furniture pieces are simply on risers. When reviewing the exhibit with our docents, they expressed concern that I did not have "do not touch" signs on the furniture. I've used these signs in the past but I am wondering about their effectiveness. I've observed both at my museum and at others, that some people will touch regardless of signage. I've also noticed that most larger museums I've visited do not have these signs at all. Our museum experience is guided tour only and the docents are trained to remind visitors not to touch items on exhibit. The new exhibition can be self-guided but the vast majority of the time there will be a docent in the room with the visitor. I'd like to hear about other's experience with "do not touch" signs and whether they work or just clutter up an exhibit and have little effectiveness. Heidi Campbell-Shoaf, Curator Museum of Frederick County History Historical Society of Frederick County 24 East Church Street Frederick, Md. 21701 www.hsfcinfo.org ========================================================= 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).