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Elee, interesting question
I'm passing this on to Museum-Ed and ISEN-ASTC as well 
 
We have two different levels of review here.  If this is just an assignment for a class I look over the plan, the interview or questionnaire and the protocol to ensure that our guests are being treated respectfully and to make sure the questions being asked are in keeping with Shedd's mission.  Data collection is usually pretty limited and we send observers out to make sure proper procedures are being followed.  We ask as a courtesy that they send us a copy of the report they write for the assignment.
 
In the case of larger studies from universities or research groups, the research must be submitted to the research review committee here before it can be conducted.  We look at the quality of the research, how well grounded it is in current theory and how the research may advance the field, just as we do for animal studies.  We generally do not allow companies that are doing research for another institution to conduct their research on our visitors, as this is work for hire and the results would not be available to others.  We do, however, share summaries of our internal research with such companies on a case-by-case basis.
 
Linda Wilson
Director, Audience Research and Evaluation
John G. Shedd Aquarium
Chicago, IL 60605
 
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, June 26, 2006 9:32 AM
To: Wilson, Linda
Subject: [[log in to unmask]] policy for external researchers?
 
Hello all-
Do any of your institutions have a policy or decision making process when outside researchers (university faculty or students, research groups, etc) want to use your museum for their work?  How do you deal with these requests?  I'm particularly interested in unsolicited requests to study visitors or visitor behaviors, rather than collections.  If you can share your practice or policy, I would appreciate it.  I will compile responses for those interested as well.
Thanks!
Elee Wood
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Elizabeth (Elee) Wood, Ph.D.
Public Scholar of Museums, Families, and Learning
Assistant Professor of Museum Studies and Teacher Education
IUPUI- School of Education
902 W. New York Street
ES 3125
Indianapolis, IN  46202
 
Office: 317-274-7332
Email:  <mailto:[log in to unmask]> [log in to unmask]
 
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