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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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
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To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the
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