ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************
and add to that list, someone who can work within a budget and a schedule...
enough time and money will work wonders but what can you do with little of
either...?
-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Margie Marino
Sent: Friday, December 19, 2003 1:28 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Skills inventory for competent Exhibit Designer/Fabricator
ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
****************************************************************************
*
I would add to qualifications for a developer/fabricator....
Awareness of what can become maintenance, liability or safety issues,
e.g. sharp corners, loose parts, etc.
I have found that those with a background in industrial design and/or
theater can sometimes work well, and
Knowledge of accessibility practices and ADA would definitely be a plus,
but resources are available if they aren't.
Margie Marino, Manager, Exhibition Services
Association of Science-Technology Centers
1025 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20005-6310
Phone: 202-783-7200, ext. 117
-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Shane Pickett
Sent: Friday, December 19, 2003 12:51 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Skills inventory for competent Exhibit Designer/Fabricator
ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
************************************************************************
*****
Thanks. He's been quite the martyr about it for the last 3 months...
-----Original Message-----
From: John Bowditch [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Friday, December 19, 2003 11:41 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Skills inventory for competent Exhibit Designer/Fabricator
ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
************************************************************************
****
*
Hi Shane,
You pose a tricky question and there is no one answer. I think the
person
you do hire should have a set of basic skills that are complemented with
a
touch of magic; there's no other way to put it; the person needs to be
able
to think in highly inventive ways. Hopefully when he or she walks into
your
office you will recognize this almost intangible trait. Without it, the
other skills are of little use.
Having said that, here are some skills that can be quantified:
1) Should be good with basic wood-working tools and machinery.
Machinist's
skills are a plus.
2) Should be able to build things with minimal drawings. I am reminded
of
John Kruesi, Thomas Edison's head machinist, who built the first
phonograph from a very rough sketch.
3) Should know where to go for help. By this I mean that he or she can't
know everything but does know how to find out; what shops in town are
good, what stores or supply house are good, etc. Be suspicious of
anyone
who has no knowledge of McMaster-Carr Supply or how to use either the
web
or Thomas's Register.
4) Has a good basic understanding of mechanical engineering even if
there is
no degree. Ditto for basic electricity.
5) A knowledge of present-day electronics and computers is increasingly
important, even if the person simply understands where this
technology is
useful and just as importantly where it is not!
6) Has a keen sense of design and proportions of items, can visualize
space,
etc.
7) Works well with others, especially education staff. Quite often
exhibits
staff will need to translate educational ideas and demos into good
exhibits. An ego is good, but too much ego isn't.
8) Finally, how good at scrounging is this person? Good exhibit people
know
how to get stuff for free (or nearly free) and know how to adapt
existing
stuff to new purpose.
John Bowditch
Exhibits Director
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
-----Original Message-----
From: Shane Pickett [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Friday, December 19, 2003 11:04 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Skills inventory for competent Exhibit Designer/Fabricator
ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
************************************************************************
****
*
Instead of contracting out this kind of work, we are hoping to be able
to
hire someone who can design and fabricate exhibits in house.
This is a pretty new concept for us, and I am seeking advice as to what
education, skills and experience I should look for, ideally in just one
person. Reply on or off list serv, as you like.
Thank you so much!
Shane Pickett
Director of Operations
Science Central
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More information about the Informal Science Education Network and the
Association of Science-Technology Centers may be found at
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To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the
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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
[log in to unmask]
***********************************************************************
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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