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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Hello Beryl,

And all you other ASTC'rs - Another great job by ASTC and thanks to our 
host, the folk at The Louisville Science Center - a good time was had by 
all.

About the facility rental issue, I can only offer my opinion. First off, 
rather than check a survey, why not check the pulse of your own 
organization. I'm sure there are people in it that have strong opinions 
of their own. Your memory, even if it is coming from your 'gut' is 
likely right. In institutions where I have worked I have always 
advocated that if a piece of the regular public space had to be closed 
to normal visitors that those visitors would be told up front, given 
reduced admission  and/or a receipt that they could use to come back 
again at a future time - even if it the closure was for a class or some 
other 'mission related' activity. It's only fair, especially if you are 
making money for renting the space out for the activity.

Most visitors can accept some of these inconveniences, especially if you 
make an effort to compensate them in some way for it. Remember, they did 
make the trip, paid for gas, parking, whatever - and were expecting to 
make a full visit. The few dollars you're not making on their admissions 
- already being made up for by the rental - will be worth the good will 
you will be spreading. But don't do it  too often or I suspect you will 
start pissing people off.

Joe R
www.TheExhibitGuys.com

Beryl Rosenthal wrote:

> 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,
> It was great to see everyone this week.  Now a question:
> I seem to remember around the '90s there were some studies conducted  
> that looked at how people feel differently about museum-sponsored and  
> non-museum events limiting their access to galleries.  I can't  
> remember whether it was in VSA publications or where, anybody  
> remember this?  I remember something about visitors being fine with  
> museum-based activities (eg, it's ok to hold classes in a gallery  
> because that is clearly mission), but cranky about rentals to  
> "outsiders" (blocking public access, taxpayer access, etc.)
> Thanks,
> Beryl
>
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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
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