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

Martin,

I wasn't particularly talking about the flu virus, as that is just one  
"bug."  However I agree with you that the bigger problem is probably  
between the visitor and hand-stamper and honestly even though it can  
be controlled, it probably won't be.  I honestly don't know whether  
the rubber and ink pad can harbor the virus.

I don't think we want to foment unwarranted fear from the public, but  
nor should we deride the public for their fears - particularly if we  
don't know how well founded they might or might not be.  Many places  
I've known avoided hand stamps not for sanitary reasons, but because  
the public didn't seem to like them.  If the public doesn't like them  
for any reason, is that really where you want to make a stand - on  
hand-stamps?

If you have a really high quality staff and can make this an  
educational moment, then that is worthwhile to pursue - after  
obtaining the correct information, however, I doubt that a lot of  
institutions really have the desire and ability to really delve into  
this and make this an educational moment.  Remember if you're going to  
take this approach then have the correct information in hand and  
remember that people's preconceptions and misconceptions are hard to  
combat (watch A Private Universe to see how that works).  A well- 
designed exhibit or program on this might help...

-William

On Oct 15, 2009, at 10:36 AM, martin weiss wrote:

> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology  
> Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related  
> institutions.
> *****************************************************************************
>
> William;
>
> I wonder if inks which are solvent based(?) can harbor the virus.  
> The problem maybe in hand touching between the visitor and the hand- 
> stamper during the stamping process. However, that can be easily  
> controlled.
>
> I think the problem is fomenting unwarranted fears amongst the  
> public. We should be presenting information that presents the risks  
> clearly.
>
> Maybe a sign at the hand stamping station with appropriate  
> information and training for the hand stamper about how to minimize  
> hand contact and information for visitors..
>
> Martin
William Katzman
Program Leader
LIGO Science Education Center
[log in to unmask]
(225) 686-3134

***********************************************************************
For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.

Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org.

The ISEN-ASTC-L email list is powered by LISTSERVR software from L-Soft. To learn more, visit
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html.

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]