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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When The Tech conducted summative evaluation of the four galleries that
opened our new museum in 1998, Randi Korn & Associates found that there were
four significant factors that influenced visitors' overall experience:

* Staff availability
* Staff courtesy
* Exhibit maintenance
* Exhibit availability

Repeatedly, we have seen in our evaluations and research that visitors value
experiences mediated by people. I have seen reference to a statistic that
visitors who have two or more positive interactions with staff or volunteers
rate their experiences more positively. (I'd have to dig for that reference
and don't have time right now.) 

Although many of the experiences you cite may not be as open-ended as the
traditional hands-on activities that science-technology centers prize,
visitor participation IS a free choice. Honestly, many of us have pretty
closed-ended, single outcome hands-on activities in our exhibit galleries.
How open-ended can a media kiosk be without the resources of a Sony or a
Blizzard (EverQuest, World of Warcraft). Demos and carts with people who
respond to questions and ideas offer a very stimulating, social opportunity
to explore what visitors personally think and care about. It's really tough
for exhibits to be so open-ended and responsive to visitors.

Susan B.F Wageman
Senior Director, Evaluation, Planning & Research
The Tech Museum of Innovation
201 S Market St              408-795-6119   
San Jose, CA  95113  USA     fax 408-279-7167
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