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Elizabeth, this is a great point.

My career includes a stint as a content lead for an exhibit group and as an independent content developer. I can attest to what Elizabeth is saying: turn key means more money. Here’s how I’ve experienced the differences:

The pros: Hand it over, let the firm do the research, etc, and they turn out content for you to review and say yes or no to. Lots of resources. Content developer is working hand in hand with the designer.
The cons: there’s a lot of ramping up. Depending on the firm, you could have junior level folks working on your project. Senior level developers are more often used for project guidance and as internal gatekeepers before content hits the client.

Independent contractor:

The pros: Intimately working one on one with your content creator. They can help you interact with the design firm, depending on who you pick.
The cons: you’ve still got a ramp up, but it could be shorter. This can also be the budget-conscious choice, depending on who you find.

Things to consider:

"Who’s driving the cart??" Exhibit concept and development often is done by the designers with the content creators brought in later. In my mind, that’s bassackwards, so to speak. Be mindful that whomever is guiding your project is laser-focused on making sure whatever is produced is right for your audience, your brand, and is cost effective (i.e., limit use of technology, don’t be charmed by “bright and shiny objects”, KISS.) It is has sometimes been my experience that exhibit designers design for other designers, not necessarily for audiences.

Who’s the audience? Your content creator, regardless of whether she or he is with a firm or independent, should demonstrate to you that they understand your audience and know how to communicate with them. How do they determine readability? What is the communication strategy?

Be mindful of your brand. Exhibits that do not properly target your audience end up leaving people out, which is bad for your overall brand. (brand = the promise you make to your audience of what your value is within the community) This happens with poorly designed exhibits and content that excludes people because of language.

Ok… that’s my 2 cents…

Good luck, Danielle!

Cecelia Ottenweller

[log in to unmask]

713-302-2793

On Dec 21, 2016, at 1:21 PM, Elizabeth Walton <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

My understanding is that the easier it is for you, the more it costs. What about hiring contract employees?

On Wed, Dec 21, 2016 at 2:16 PM, Jacobson, Linda A. <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Hi Danielle,
To make this project less cumbersome for you I would contact a firm that can handle as much of this work as possible. Ideally, you would send out a request for proposal to a number of companies and let them know that you will need design, fabrication, and interpretation, and then include your budget for the project. Photos of the space are also helpful. Companies can then respond with a proposal for how they might approach the project, and if you are lucky you will have a number of proposals to choose from. Doing this all in one place will make this much easier to manage.

Linda Jacobson
North Carolina Collection Gallery
Wilson Special Collections Library
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
[log in to unmask]
919-962-0104
P.O. Box 8890
Wilson Library, Campus Box 3930
Chapel Hill, NC 27599

From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]LSOFT.COM] On Behalf Of Danielle Ricklefs
Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2016 1:13 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Exhibit renovation

Hello again!

I'm beginning the planning phase of my museum renovation. The first phase is construction. The second phase is interpretation. I come from museums and zoos with budgets and workshops and exhibit staff. I'm wondering if it would be more beneficial for a professional exhibit company to handle this, given that I'm the only employee? Or should I farm out the pieces of work through company's individually? Thoughts?

Danielle Feist

KS Oil and Gas Museum

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