From another newsgroup (PCST-L). Please respond to Betsy Fleischer at [log in to unmask] (not to me!) << My organization (a professional nonprofit scientific association of 12,000 members) just moved into a new headquarters building and we have a large lobby and hallway where we plan to showcase the field of materials science and our organization itself through aesthetically pleasing and functionally interactive materials science displays, like a small museum. We have a committee of volunteers (scientists) working on determining our first set of displays, and I am the liaison from our office. This is a new endeavor for all of us. I'm sending this message with two interests, one practical and immediate, and the other of broader focus: (1) We are seeking a concept designer/developer to help us put our concepts onto paper and into reality in this area of about 600 to 700 sq. feet. We are under a time schedule right now, trying to gather candidates before a conference call this Friday (Nov. 7) and to put together a proposal for our Council before Thanksgiving. Can anyone suggest someone who would be appropriate? Please contact me directly. (2) A challenge for us is determining our potential audience and how to design displays appropriately. Traffic through our building (which is located 30 miles outside of Pittsburgh, now consists of about 40 staff members (mostly nontechnical), a few vendors, and a handful of scientists--volunteers on various boards and committees--who visit the office occasionally. We see the potential for inviting students or people from other local organizations to visit or use our facilities, and we intend to supplement our physical space with a virtual museum. I would be interested to hear about experiences other people have had with such mini-museums. How can science be effectively communicated this way? What pitfalls should we avoid? What opportunities abound? How much time and money should be involved to be effective? How does one target such displays for a dual audience of casual passersby and highly interested accomplished scientists? Betsy Fleischer ********************************************************* Betsy Fleischer Editor, MRS Bulletin Materials Research Society 506 Keystone Drive Warrendale, PA 15086, USA Phone: (412) 779-3004 (automated attendant) Ext. 521 Fax: (412) 779-8313 E-mail: [log in to unmask] Website: http://www.mrs.org/. >> Any new materials developments in your field? Keep me informed! *********************************************************