I think that a review of communication literature in museums will
indicate that a linear system is effective for only a small number of
visitors.  Visitors have their own agendas and questions which can be
provided for via non-linear methods.  Compare reading a novel and a
cereal box- novels are linear and cereal boxes are not.  Museum visitors
desire non-linear interpretation (see McManus, Borun, and Screven as
starting points)