D. Neil Bremer writes: >The concept of a redefinition of the term "museum" is an important one >to consider. Disney, whether or not you feel they represent the >antichrist of museums, markets their Club Disney (for children and >fammilies) alternately as a children's museum or a science center, >depending on the research data on potential audiences. Disney may not be >preserving truth and history - but society has begun to accept this >definition of "museum", and will continue to do so in growing numbers. > >We can beat them at their own game with real collections and >intellectual content, or we can stand by our horses, damning the first >wave of cars coming down the road. I agree, absolutely. And for a thread that has yielded many "issues" but not many "tools," as was originally requested, I would again offer VRML (virtual reality modeling language) as one of the most important tools with which museums will compete and raise the standard of content over info-tainment theme parks. What was once a matter of linear wall labels and "text panels" that explained the context of a displayed object, will in the future become whole VR worlds that educate, elaborate, and surround the spectator with layers of knowledge. There are great stories and drama embedded in the real objects of a museum's collection that will make Disneyworld seem boring by comparison, if museums are willing to find the tools and imagination to reveal them. Stephen Nowlin Vice President Director, Williamson Gallery Producer, Art Center Online Art Center College of Design http://www.artcenter.edu/exhibits/williamson.html http://www.artcenter.edu