In response to the question posed about using numbers on objects on display
which refer visitors to a "key" for description.  An overgeneralization in
isitor studies literature shows that visitors do not read
signage/interpretives...so regardless of what you have to identify objects
in the collection, people will ask real people if they are around.  If not,
they look around for the information a bit and then move on.   Personally, I
think it is usually a good idea to lable objects in some way, so people can
identify what they are seeing.

Terrie

Terrie Nolinske, Ph.D.
www.tniconsultants.com
[log in to unmask]

TNI Consultants in Professional Development
930 North Boulevard
Oak Park, Illinois 60301
708. 386. 1331

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Teresa Whitt
Sent: Thursday, August 22, 2002 11:44 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Now A Question: Labelling


My museum currently uses an acrylic number for each object on display.  The
viewer will look for the corresponding number on the one-sheet label that is
attached to the front of the case.  I use this system instead of individual
labels beside each object in the case.  Some patrons seem to like this,
while others seem completely oblivious to the main label, and instead, ask
staff members for information on the objects.  I am interested in other
museum's stand on labels.  To number or not to number, that is the question!

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