This paper examines how temporal and spatial observation variables can drastically alter a visitor's comprehension of the phenomena depicted by a museum exhibit. The focus is on a tornado exhibit at the Exploratorium, a museum of science and human perception in San Francisco (California). Videotaped recordings of 10 children interacting with the…

This is an extensive bibliography of reference sources--i.e., books and articles--that relate to the care and conservation of library, archival, and museum collections. Bibliographies are presented under the following headings: (1) General Information; (2) Basic Collections Care; (3) Architectural Conservation; (4) Collections Management: Law,…

Cognitive and affective outcomes of class visits to two participatory science museums were examined by comparing responses of fifth- and sixth-grade students randomly assigned to four conditions (control, exhibit only, lesson only, and exhibit followed by lesson) and two tests (verbal and visual). Students visiting a simple machines exhibit scored…

This booklet contains examples of textile designs created by the Shoowa, a subgroup of the Kuba people of Zaire, Africa; the examples were part of the National Museum of African Art exhibition, "Shoowa Design: Raffia Textiles from Zaire." Additional information is provided about the Shoowa people and how Shoowa textiles are used, made,…

Presented is a discussion on how an evaluator can function effectively in a Science and Technology Center, using an evaluation model on experience in evaluating exhibits at the Lawrence Hall of Science over a six-year period. The approach in this paper is described for four areas: (1) evaluation of currently available exhibits and programs; (2)…

Presented is the argument that museums currently have a greater need for formative than for summative evaluation. Areas of formative evaluation that are of primary concern are also discussed. (Author/SA)

The paper presents results of a study to assess to what extent visiting a museum is an adult learning experience. Study population was 112 adult visitors to the Ohio Historical Center in Columbus during December 1976 and January and February 1977. Visitor behavior was observed and recorded and the visitors were then interviewed for their comments…

A summary of statistical information and user service programs provided by the Library of Congress (LC) during the 1977 fiscal year is presented. The Library's Congressional Research Service (CRS) provides immediate response to research queries from members of Congress, as well as undertaking special studies and research projects and holding…

This handbook has evolved in response to the needs expressed by the museums for resources with which to interpret environmental problems and to initiate or to expand environmental exhibits and education programs. Chapters 1, 2, and 3 (Man and Environment, Population, and Environmental Problems) each contain background information and techniques…

Twelve authors offer initiative and creative ideas for using museums to further world-wide education in a broad sense. Rather than viewing the museum as a preserver and storehouse of works and objectives, the authors see the museum as a place where direct involvement in process education occurs. International trends in museum education are focused…

Presents a summative evaluation of the Star Games, a participatory astronomy exhibit designed for public and school group visitors from age 13 to adult. Provides information about the effect of the exhibit on visitors and the attainment of its educational goals. (HM)

Offers a moving portrait of their experiences as art instructors in an urban community college whose students represent the minorities of Chicago as well as those who for other reasons have been excluded from regular school experiences. Authors believe that experience in art class is helpful not only for their future as students but also as…

A number of science museums and science-technology centers throughout the United States are making computers accessible and understandable to the general public. A five-stage model of public access to computers is introduced, and ways of implementing the first level, special public access, are described.

Describes projects of the Whitney, Texas, vocational agriculture students, exhibited at the Future Farmers of America Farm Mechanics Project Show (at the Heart o' Texas Fair in Waco) in several categories for livestock equipment, farm machinery, farm and yard conveniences, farm electrical projects, gates, and woodwork. (MF)

A review of research about museum education and a description of a group of gifted elementary school students' museum-building activities (display techniques, collection of resources, classification and arrangement methods, and work with outside donors) indicate that museum-building is a stimulating activity which encourages independent study and…