ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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I've seen it in a Children's Center in Hickory NC, but that center had difficulties after 2-3 years (actually they donated their parts to the science center back then).  If my memory serves, The Magic House (St. Louis) had only 2 or 3 paid staff and the rest were volunteers (of course that was back in 1993 that I talked to them about it).

-William

On Jun 30, 2011, at 6:24 PM, Rachel Garcia wrote:

> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
> *****************************************************************************
> 
> Hello Everyone,
> I am working to get a science center (or as I call it a science play-space) in Knox County, OH, a county with about 60,000 people, mainly rural, but with two colleges and a county seat of almost 20,000.  I've been thinking a lot about funding, and how to make it work in a place where a lot of people have low incomes.  I believe we can get some local funding for infrastructure and "stuff", but salaries and ongoing costs will be very difficult.  I was wondering if anyone has tried or knows anything about using cooperative models for running such a place.  
> 
> For example, I was thinking about people gaining membership, and "ownership" by putting in a certain number of hours or money that would allow them unlimited use of the space for a certain time period.  I've seen this model used at food coops- time worked gives discounts, but I've never heard of it for a science center.
> 
> Also I was wondering has any science center ever had a science toy library or toy exchange?  If you have thought of it, or have done it, do you have any thoughts to share?
> 
> Thank you for sharing all the great stuff on this list serve!
> 
> Rachel Garcia
> ([log in to unmask])
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William Katzman
Program Leader
LIGO Science Education Center
"Inspiring Science"
[log in to unmask]
(225) 686-3134

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For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.

Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org.

The ISEN-ASTC-L email list is powered by LISTSERVR software from L-Soft. To learn more, visit
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