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A study that forms some good basis for thinking about this is Marilyn
(Molly) Hood's work on why people choose not to visit museums.  This
study identifies 6 attributes of leisure participation (including museum
visits), and classifies people into three categories: "frequent"
visitors (visit 3 or more times per year), "occasional" visitors (visit
1 or 2 times per year), and non-visitors.  She found that frequent
visitors value different attributes than occasional and non-visitors. 
Frequent visitors most value having an opportunity to learn (i.e.,
programs??), having the challenge of new experience, and doing something
worthwhile.  On the other hand, occasional and non-visitors most value
family social interaction, active participation, and feeling at ease
with surroundings.   
 
This was first published in Museum News in 1983.
 
Rita Deedrick
Senior Director for Research & Evaluation
COSI Columbus
 
EINSTEIN Exhibit
Examine the life & theories of one of the greatest scientists of all
time.
February 17 through May 20, 2007 at COSI Columbus
visit www.cosi.org for more information
 
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>>> [log in to unmask] 01/04/07 9:15 AM >>>

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

Hi all,
Is anyone aware of any research conducted on the role of programs in  
repeat visitation?  My gut (and anecdotal experience) tells me that  
visitors may come to a museum or science center to see an exhibition  
once or *maybe* twice, but it is the programs that keep them coming  
back repeatedly, and a major draw for members. This is more than a  
bar bet, I will be using this in a planning document.
Thanks,
Beryl

Beryl Rosenthal
[log in to unmask]
Dir. of Education and Public Programs
MIT Museum
265 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617)452-2111 (t)
(617)253-8994 (f)



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