ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************

Mathew,

It seems to me that (with the exception of copyrighted or patented materials) you can copy  (or steal) anything you want. The real question is what would be the polite and ethical thing to do? Here the answer should be clear: asking  permission to use a design is at least the most basic courtesy to be expected. Most museums are usually glad to share their ideas and designs, provided credit is given. A simple credit line in a label is usually much appreciated. In this business we all scratch each other's backs from time to time. it makes life easier and more fun!

If a museum doesn't want to share a design you should at least be courteous enough to modify the design in such a way that your copy cannot be construed as "stolen".

I guess the most important thing to remember can best be expressed by Red Green (from the TV show) when he says "Remember, we're all in this together and I'm pulling for you". Cooperation and courtesy are the name of the game in our very small pond where all the frogs know each other!

John Bowditch

> ----------
> From:         mperkin2
> Reply To:     Informal Science Education Network
> Sent:         Friday, March 5, 2004 1:13 PM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      Question about exhibits
> 
> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
> *****************************************************************************
> 
> Dear Informal Educators,
> 
> I have visited several facilities over the past couple of years and have seen
> many things I would love to duplicate in a facility I may work at in the
> future.  What are the rules, unwritten and written, on copying and adapting
> exhibit ideas from facility to facility?  I am currently a doctoral student,
> formerly the director of a small school planetarium, and hope to someday again
> work at a planetarium with science center.  Feel free to respond off-list to
> [log in to unmask]
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Matthew Perkins
> Ph.D candidate, Science Education
> University of Tennessee
> 
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More information about the Informal Science Education Network and the
Association of Science-Technology Centers may be found at http://www.astc.org.
To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the
message  SIGNOFF ISEN-ASTC-L in the BODY of a message to
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