At 01:37 PM 12/10/96 -0600, you wrote: > I run a hands-on science centre, but was formerly in a museum, much of the stuff is relevant to both though. > >1. What have you liked/disliked about previous traveling exhibits >you've had at your museum? >DISLIKES - Incompleteness - the thing comes with a video or CD-ROM as a crucial part, but doesn't come with anything to play it on (and they don't tell you unless you ask). - Unweildiness when they don't break down into easily manoueverable sub units for installing. - Poor documentation, it comes without someone to oversee construction and incomprehensible instructions. - Disorganisation on the part of the loaners, they can't tell you clearly what is in the thing, how many sockets it needs, minimum heights of ceilings etc - Cost, I keep being offered travellers which require ridiculous payments for the privilege of having them. I am involved in putting together travelling shows (at present Medieval machines - ready late summer!) and it is clear some people are just no realistic about what they try to charge - it precludes us having some excellent stuff, whch is very annoying. LIKES Apart from when everything is the opposite of the above and a show just slides in easily and happily, things i particularly like are - shows coming with their own publicity materials or, even better, their own publicist - I can't afford to print up glossy posters etc for every show we take, so it is really useful - The stimulus they give staff, if the show is a good one and works well, it gives the team a good boost and stimulates lots of new ideas. >2. What do you look for when searching for potential traveling >exhibits for your museum? > >- Interest value, are they going to get people excited and bring them in - Relevance to the centres aims - Floor area, no good if I can't get em in! 250 Sq M - YES, 1000sqM -NO! - Cost, are the fees and other costs within my budget, can a deal be cut to reduce the cash outlay? - Availability, can I have it in a slot where I an fit it in and when it isn't a dead patch. A show which comes just for December and January is no good to me for example. - Operational constraints, does it need any complex staffing arrangement, difficult upkeep, need too many plugs > - Wear, I always like to see the thing before I commit, if it looks worn out and tired I am less likely to go for it. - Can I get it in? Does it break down into parts which fit through my doors, does it have structures higher than my ceilings (difficult at my present place - INSPIRE has ceilings up to 50ft high) etc. - Does it come with strings attached, eg merchandise I must sell in the shop. Hope this helps! IAN SIMMONS - A mind stretched by new ideas never returns to the same shape - RALPH WALDO EMERSON