Reviews history of California Academy of Sciences and its library. Financial problems, the James Lick bequest (1879), the 1906 earthquake and fire, legal complexities, and postearthquake developments are discussed. Statistics provided include date founded, director, collection and staff size, and main subjects collected. (EJS)

Founded in 1894 to support museum research, the Field Museum of Natural History Library specializes in fields of anthropology, archaeology, botany, geology, palaeontology, and zoology. A rich serials collection and numerous special collections serve both the scientific community and wider public as noncirculating reference collection and through…

This article describes the history of the Museum of Science and Industry Library (Chicago, Illinois) and its services, collections, and facilities. Emphasis on educational and children's materials is discussed. Statistics provided include date founded, director, collection and staff size, and main subjects collected. (EJS)

Description of a special library housed in world's largest indoor aquarium highlights history of aquarium and library; the collection supporting animal care-taking, reference, and research activities; archives; computer capabilities; users (primarily staff) and services; and networking and cooperation. Date founded, director, collection and staff…

To prepare them for visits to a museum, preschoolers' aesthetic awareness was developed through visual, tactile, kinesthetic, and olfactory experiences in a studio setting. Anecdotal examples of student involvement in the museum, recorded from observations, photographs, students' casual comments, and parental interviews, are presented. (IS)

Describes geographical, subject, and chronological aspects of 25 cartographic collections housed in university, public, special, state, and semi-state libraries in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Three size categories of map holdings (more than 10,000, 1,000-10,000, less than 1,000) are distinguished. A list of 27 Sao Paulo institutions housing map collections…

The Exploratorium is a science museum with emphasis on the display and control of many kinds of natural phenomena and on ways of perceiving them. It combines the elements of sightseeing and play into the overall theme of human sensory perception. Art is also an integral part of the Exploratorium. (Author/MA)

This publication reports on how museums and libraries bolster K-12 education and lifelong learning in communities across the Nation. It is based on a workshop the Institute of Museum and Library Services hosted August 30-31, 2004 at which more than seventy educators, researchers, policymakers, and museum and library professionals examined K-12…

A survey was conducted among 139 elementary public, private, parochial, charter, and home school teachers to help Kingman Museum in Battle Creek, Michigan re-establish educational programming with area schools after having been closed for two years. The purpose of the study was to identify museum programs that teachers are most likely to use, the…

This study explores partnerships among cultural and educational institutions engaged in informal lifelong learning, focusing on public libraries, museums, public radio, and public television. Data come from surveys of adults; surveys of library, museum, and public broadcast station executives and staff; and field investigations in seven urban…

This book, part of The Exploratorium science "snackbook" series, explains science with a hands-on approach. Activities include: (1) "3-D Shadow"; (2) "Bits and Bytes"; (3) "Circuit Workbench"; (4) "Diamagnetic Repulsion"; (5) "Film Can Racer"; (6) "Fractal Patterns"; (7) "Hoop Nightmares"; (8) "Hydraulic Arm"; (9) "Hyperbolic Slot"; (10) "Light…

The book focuses on five types of environments which can be enjoyed by young children and help them learn. These are: museums; art galleries; performing arts venues; the built environment; and zoos, farms and aquariums. The book has been written to encourage the reader to access these provisions locally. The major museums, galleries, arts venues…

This document contains a number of models that describes how a museum can act as a communications device to the public. The argument is made that a one-dimensional model is no longer sufficient to explain the communication between museum and visitor. The focus is on a model that provides what the visitor desires and needs in exhibits, tours,…

This research examines some of the factors that influence the learning process in an informal science education setting such as the Explora Science Center. Goals of the study include the completion of a qualitative as well as quantitative study on adult learning in an informal, hands on setting, observing and determining the learner…

Ieoh Ming (I. M.) Pei, born in Canton, China, came to the United States in 1935 to study architecture, first at the University of Pennsylvania, then at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design. Today, Pei's reputation and architectural contributions are renowned worldwide. He has designed…