Cynthia,

The National Park Service has a website that's chock full of info about exhibit 
development. Some of it is specific to Park Service or federal government 
projects, but some of it is generally useful. Here are a couple relevant pages:

    http://www.nps.gov/hfc/products/exhibits/ex-indepth.htm
    http://www.nps.gov/hfc/products/imi/imi-docs.htm

It helps to know that NPS applies the term "interpretive media" to indoor and 
outdoor displays, AV productions, computer applications, and brochures.


Your colleague can get a PDF copy of our most recent exhibit planning and 
design scope of work through this link:

    http://ww.nps.gov/hfc/pdf/ex/ex-plan-design-dec2006.pdf

This is not a complete contract, only a description of the work that's being 
purchased. There's also a fabrication scope available on the website.


Many design firms will respond to an RFP on spec, with no compensation, if 
they're interested in the job and have time for the work. Another approach is 
to ask a bunch of firms for more general information about their approach 
(sometimes called a Request for Qualifications), and then send the RFP to a 
limited number based on reviewing their general materials.

It's worth putting effort into finding knowledgable, experienced people who will 
explain things as you go and whom you enjoy working with. Good luck!

Caitlin McQuade
Exhibit Planner
Harpers Ferry Center
National Park Service

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).