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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A good (related) rule of thumb - in exhibit text, never use a font 
smaller than 18 or 24 point for just this reason!
Beryl

Mary Montgomery wrote:
> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
> *****************************************************************************
>
> I didn't see anyone mention this more prosaic point, but as both a staff
> member and an over-60 person, the biggest thing that museums don't seem
> to notice is the needs of those of us who wear bifocals. I remember
> poo-pooing this myself before I had to wear them.  It's reeeeally hard
> on your neck to go thru exhibits trying to read labels placed at high
> levels. Increasing type sizes somewhat can help everyone too, not just
> those wearing glasses. I don't at the minute feel that I need special
> programs targeted to "my" demographic, but some attention to physical
> needs is always helpful. 
>
> Mary Montgomery
> Curator/Librarian
> Museum of History & Industry, Seattle
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Informal Science Education Network
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Stuart Kohlhagen
> Sent: Sunday, May 25, 2008 4:45 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: We are all getting older
>
> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
> Centers Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
> institutions.
> ************************************************************************
> *****
>
> It's true we are all getting older.......
>
> individually and as societies.
>
> As part of some scoping for our centre's future priorities I'm looking
> into what sort of programs, exhibitions, facilities and initiatives
> centres have developed that target or cater for this growing demographic
> ( mature aged, empty nesters, semi-retired).
>
> You might be running special programs, or making some programs available
> at specific times, or in certain locations.
> You might be providing topics that cater to their interests, or making
> existing material available through specific channels that suit this
> audience.
>
> Reversing the direction, are you doing anything to help these people
> connect and contribute to your centre, and its programs?
>
> Has anyone done ( or is aware of) any research into the needs/interests
> of this demographic which they can share?
>
> let me know on list or off, and I'll provide a digest of the results.
>
> Stuart Kohlhagen
> Manager Research and Development
> Questacon
> The National Science and Technology Centre Canberra Australia
>
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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.
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-- 
Beryl Rosenthal, Ph.D.
Director
Tsongas Industrial History Center
Boott Cotton Mills
115 John Street
Lowell, MA 01854
(978) 970-5081 (t)
(978) 970-5085 (f)
[log in to unmask]
www.uml.edu/tsongas/index2.htm
A joint program of UMASS Lowell and Lowell National Historical Park

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

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