I am a graduate student at Southern Connecticut State University and
research assistant to Dr. Mary Brown, professor of Information Science.

We are interested in your opinion about what skills and knowledge are
needed to make exhibits.  Please take a few minutes in the next day or
two to fill out the attached survey. The survey should take less than
10 minutes to complete.

Your participation is sincerely appreciated.

Rebecca Power,
Graduate Student
Department of Information and Library Science
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, Connecticut
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5760 Museum Survey								Fall 2003



Southern Connecticut State University

New Haven CT 06515



SURVEY CONCERNING MAKING EXHIBITS



We are interested in your opinion about what skills and knowledge are needed for non-museum personnel to make exhibits.  Please take a few minutes in the next day or two to fill out and e-mail us this survey. The survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete.



In responding to the survey consider this scenario: An individual who has no background in museum work will be planning and implementing an exhibit in their organization.  



Please indicate how important (critical, helpful, unnecessary) you think the following skill and knowledge areas will be to creating a successful exhibit. Please type the appropriate number in the space provided.  



1 = Critical     2 = Helpful     3 = Unnecessary or better to be outsourced



[   ]  Time management

Knowledge of how much work and time it takes to make exhibits

Ability to make and follow a timetable



[   ]  Money management

Knowledge of the costs inherent in exhibits

Ability to write and monitor a budget

Ability to write grants

Ability to fundraise within the community

      

[   ]  Business considerations

Ability to write contracts

Knowledge of organization’s liability

Knowledge of insurance policy

Knowledge of security issues 

Knowledge of publicity methods and deadlines 



[   ]  Purpose and theme

Identification of goals at outset

Written exhibit/display policy

Development of exhibit idea/theme

Skilled at researching exhibit topics



[   ]  Exhibit theory

Knowledge of different kinds of exhibits

Knowledge of exhibit philosophy

Knowledge of what makes a successful exhibit

Knowledge of how people use exhibits



[   ]  Educational theory

Knowledge of educational philosophies 

Knowledge of how and why people use the organization

Knowledge of exhibit audience





[   ]  Exhibit and label design

Ability to create visual design to correspond with theme

Skilled at technical drawing/drafting

Skilled at model making

Skilled at writing and editing labels

Skilled at graphic design (and appropriate computer applications)

Knowledge of printing processes and availability

Knowledge of appropriate label location



[   ]  Spatial considerations

Knowledge of patron traffic patterns 

Knowledge of exhibit location’s affect on usage

Knowledge of safety issues in exhibits

Skilled at drawing designs/layouts



[   ]  Evaluation

Skilled at conducting evaluative interviews

Front end evaluation 

Formative evaluation (prototyping)

Summative (end) evaluation 

Documenting the exhibit



[   ]  Accessibility 

Knowledge of universal design

Knowledge of disabilities and how they affect exhibit use 

Knowledge of different learning styles 

Ability to build a network of accessibility advisors 

Knowledge of cultural and gender equity in exhibits



[   ]  Conservation 

Knowledge of appropriate display methods for objects

Knowledge of archival materials (papers, paints, textiles, etc.)

Knowledge of and ability to control temperature and humidity

Knowledge of appropriate light levels



[   ]  Application of business techniques

Knowledge of retail display design

Knowledge of object display techniques



[   ]  Fabrication and installation techniques

Skilled at woodworking/power tool use

Knowledge of exhibit fabrication materials 

Knowledge of exhibit installation techniques

Knowledge of exhibit lighting 

Knowledge of materials and methods to create labels

Skilled at fabricating and mounting labels



[   ]  Programming and accompanying materials

Ability to plan related programs

Ability to create brochures/take home materials

Ability to gather books and materials related to theme 

Knowledge of other community resources related to theme











[   ] Additional essential skills or knowledge (please list)









What is the main purpose of a museum?    

[   ]  education      [   ]  entertainment     [   ]  access to collection     [   ]  other (please specify)





What is the main purpose of a library?

[   ]  education      [   ]  entertainment     [   ]  access to collection     [   ]  other (please specify)





Should libraries have exhibits?     [   ]  Yes     [   ]  No





What kind of exhibits/displays are appropriate for a library? (Please check all that apply.)



[   ]  an exhibit of artwork

[   ]  a hands-on exhibit

[   ]  a bulletin board 

[   ]  a traveling exhibit

[   ]  an exhibit with movable parts

[   ]  a glass display case





Should museums and libraries partner to create and display exhibits?     

[   ]  Yes     [   ]  No





What is your job title?										





How many exhibits have you mounted?   

[   ] none   [   ] a few   [   ] major component of job





Thank you for your participation!



Please return this survey to: [log in to unmask]



Dr. Mary E. Brown, Buley 416			Rebecca Power

Dept of Information & Library Science	Dept of Information & Library Science

Southern Connecticut State University	Southern Connecticut State University

501 Crescent Street				[log in to unmask]

New Haven CT 06515			

[log in to unmask]			

Fax: 1.203.392.5780				



Thank you so much for your time. (Surveys also may be faxed to 1.203.392.5780)