Our museum is dipping its toes into the world of interactive stations and touch screens. For our first project, we plan on creating one or more stations where visitors can access videos made by student workshops at the museum.

In the past, we have set up iMacs to run dvds of the student work. We are considering switching out the iMacs for a touch screen monitor and dvd player, or monitor and mini computer.  We currently don't have a plan to create rich, multilayer educational interactives, but we want to buy equipment that may keep our options open to do so in the future.

My questions for the listserv are:


 *   What brand and model touch screen monitor do you recommend? We want something that is professional grade to hold up to the wear and tear it will receive on the museum floor. What size monitor is most appropriate for this type of use?
 *   Are there touch screens that don't require software to use?
 *   How do you house the monitor and dvd/minicomputer to keep it out of site and secure? Are there ready-made products that you recommend?
 *   What software do you recommend for creating interactive touch screen exhibits and kiosks?

Many thanks for your help and advice,

Emily Sloat Shaw
Exhibits Specialist

Smithsonian Institution
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Department of Exhibitions
Independence Ave at Seventh St SW
MRC 360 PO Box 37012
Washington DC 20013-7012

202-633-2737
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