----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 11:03 AM
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] "do not touch" labels
We also found that the "do not
touch" signs really didn't do any good. Also the velvet ropes don't
see to keep "those people" out either :)
We find that it is easier just to do a
gentle reminder when people are walking around.
Debra Loguda-Summers,
Curator
Still National Osteopathic Museum and National Center
for Osteopathic History
800 West Jefferson
Kirksville, MO 63501
Phone: 660 626 2359
Fax: 660 626 2984
Toll Free: 1 866 626 ATSU Ext. 2359
[log in to unmask]
www.atsu.edu/museum
The Mission of the Still National Osteopathic Museum is to collect, preserve, and make
available artifacts and related materials to communicate the history and philosophy
about the osteopathic principles of mind, body and spirit to a global audience.
>>> "Jackson, Gregory" <[log in to unmask]>
6/18/2008 9:43 AM >>>
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
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