We implemented an online reservation *request* system for the 2014-15 school year. One other park in our system does online reservations, but we are a much smaller site with fewer staff. So, we still have to review requests so that we don't have more people than we can handle. (We have small spaces that we use as our learning centers). Even still we get less than truthful requests. We also utilize an online calendar once reservations are made that shows available dates, and i send an email confirmation once i have vetted the request.

As for the migration to this way, i prepared everyone on my school contacts list, had postings on our homepage, and came up with a step-by-step, illustrated with screen shots guide.

Be sure to be thorough, but keep it short. My teacher friends vet everything for me, and they, too, are taxed with dwindling resources and tons of work!!

If you'd like to see our form and the online calendar, you can find it here:

Click on "Click for Availability". You'll have to go back to June or earlier, where an "available" date can be clicked on. Feel free to make a "reservation," and if it accidentally gets sent, don't worry - it goes to my mailbox!

Kathryn M. Blackwell

Colvin Run Mill Historic Site

On Jul 12, 2016, at 1:40 PM, Cindy Boyer <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

I’m looking for learn if anyone uses a system where teachers can schedule their own tour through the site’s webpage or other app.

We have a small seasonal historic site that offers curriculum based school tours. The busiest months for tours are October, May and June, with April not far behind. The rest of the months don’t see much school visitation.

Right now scheduling tours involves lots of back and forth phone calls and sometimes emails. The staff person who manages this is retiring, and I see this as an opportunity to revisit the logistics involved, and perhaps even wrap this responsibility into another staff member’s job.

Looking for the wisdom of the field, to see what has worked out there – or not worked – for a small institution with modest tour numbers.

Thanks!

Cindy Boyer

Director of Public Programs

The Landmark Society of Western New York

133 S. Fitzhugh St.

Rochester NY 14608

(585) 546-7029 ext. 12

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Fax: (585) 546-4788

www.landmarksociety.org

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