I am currently some research into the presentation of evolutionary issues in Natural History Museums. As part of this, I have been researching the history of three major exhibitions at the Australian Musuem, here in Sydney, looking at the way the style of presentation has changed and why it has changed. As part of my research I have prepared an e-mail questionnaire, which covers some of the main topics of my research. If anyone who reads this list would be willing to answer my questions (or if you feel that any of your colleagues would be interested in answering them), please e-mail me at [log in to unmask] ________________________________________ Topic in questionnaire: 1. Dioramas (why are they out of fashion?) 2. Realism (can 'realistic' displays accidentally mislead the public?) 3. Personalities and institutions (who ultimately shapes exhibitions?) 4. Entertainment vs. education (does fund-raising conflict with science?) 5. Presenting scientific controversy (is there a conflict between presenting the processes of scientific debate, and not confusing the public, especially about evolution?) ________________________________________ NOTE: I have no plans to publish my research at the moment, but if that situation changes I'll forward a copy of the final paper to anyone who answered the questionnaire, so that they check that they have been accurately quoted, before I submit it for publication. ________________________________________ Many thanks, I hope to hear from you. __________________________________ Jim Endersby School of Science and Technology Studies The University of New South Wales Sydney 2052, Australia