The Smithsonian Center for Museum Studies announces its next workshop: Introduction to VisitorStudies July 13-17, 1998 Application Deadline: May 18, 1998 In an increasingly competitive environment, museums today are focusing new attention on their visitors -- who they are, why they come, what they want, how they respond, and how they are affected over the long-term. Since most museums do not have the resources to hire professional researchers to answer these questions, investigations of visitors are often requested of staff members who do not have extensive experience in this area. This workshop is designed to offer basic training in designing, conducting, and analyzing studies of museum visitors. Sessions in this five day program cover: *Choosing the Appropriate Study Method *Selecting a Reliable Sample of Visitors *Designing and Conducting Formative Evaluations, Surveys, and Interview Studies *Observing and Tracking Visitors *Analyzing Data, Reading Tables, and Visualizing Results The workshop will be conducted by the Smithsonian's Institutional Studies Office. Principal instructors will be: * Zahava D. Doering, Director * Andrew J. Pekarik, Museum and Exhibition Audience Analyst * Jean Kalata, Social Science Analyst Introduction to Visitor Studies will take place at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. The program is designed for people who are responsible for understanding or serving visitors in their museum. Eligible are museums with 501(C)3 qualification. Museum staff from any size institution are welcome to apply. The center places special emphasis on the needs of staff from institutions having budgets less than $250,000 and having five or less full-time staff. Eligible are staff, volunteers, and board members, inpaid or unpaid positions. Up to 18 participants will be selected on a competitive basis. A $325.00 tuition fee covers all course materials and a group luncheon. For more information or an application contact: Bettie Lee, Curriculum Manager, Workshop Series, Center for Museum Studies MRC 427, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560 202-357-3101 Program Information and application also available at: www.si.edu/cms/train.htm Bruce C. Craig Internet: [log in to unmask] Center for Museum Studies Smithsonian Institution A&I 2235-MRC427 Washington, DC 20560 (202) 357-3148 FAX:(202) 357-3346