[Bcma-l] Re: Guided Tours with Headsets]

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:54:54 -0700

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Our system is to have our guides park their cell phones in the lunch room
when on duty, same as head phones, i pods etc.
Guests use cell phones occasionally but must leave the room if the guide is
talking.

On 17/04/2008, bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca <
bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca> wrote:
>
> I am considering the cell phone route-does anyone have any feedback on
> this-does it encourage other annoying cell phone use for instance?
> Debbie Trueman, General Manager
> Nanaimo District Museum
> P (250)753-1821
> F (250)740-0125
> debbie@nanaimomuseum.ca
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca
> [mailto:bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca]
> Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 4:21 PM
> To: bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca
> Subject: RE: [Bcma-l] Re: Guided Tours with Headsets]
>
>
> Apologies if this suggestion was presented earlier.
> Another option to consider is a cell phone program. The New Museum in
> New York utilizes this system as well as some other New York art
> museums. I did not use it, however I noticed several people who did.
> Individuals dialled in a specific code related to an object and they
> received their information...kind of slick. The savings on
> purchasing/leasing or maintenance of hand-held devices would be
> significant. I do not know about the start up costs though - they may be
> more. Something to think about.
> Regards,
> Darrin Martens
> Director/Curator
> Burnaby Art Gallery
> 6344 Deer Lake Avenue
> Burnaby, B.C. Canada V5G 2J3
> Tel: 604.297.4426
> Fax: 604.205.7339
> E-mail: darrin.martens@burnaby.ca
> www.burnabyartgallery.ca
>
> Please note that the gallery's phone numbers are changing. As of
> February 28, 2008 my direct line will be 604.297.4426. The gallery's
> main line will be 604.297.4422.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca
> [mailto:bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca]
> Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 6:20 AM
> To: bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca
> Subject: [Bcma-l] Re: Guided Tours with Headsets]
>
> What a thoughtful response, Bill!  And so insightful!
> Having worked at both Barkerville and Hat Creek Ranch as a live
> interpreter, I totally agree with all you have said, and have learned
> from it too.  Thank you!
>
> During the course of my work in history interpretation over the past
> seventeen years, I have spent much time, money and effort, researching
> various other forms of bringing history to life, as well as that with
> which I'm so deeply involved.
>
> Most recently, I was privileged to visit the Philadelphia Art Museum and
> the Frida Kahlo exhibit in particular.  They had audio tours there.
> Here's my
> report:-
>
> Headsets attached to remote controls were distributed by two personnel
> at the beginning of the exhibit and collected by another two at the end.
> Given that this exhibit was extremely popular and the PAG is an enormous
> institution, it still illustrates the fact that someone has to be
> available to distribute and collect the audio sets, check them for
> functionality and maintain them (including avoiding health risks by
> sterilization or earpiece replacement).
>
> There were attendants throughout the exhibit.  They looked bored and
> disinterested and were, when approached, not particularly helpful or
> well-informed - a negative experience for both staff and visitor.
> However, these attendants were necessary to maintain security and
> protect the paintings/photographs from damage, as would be the case at a
> museum or historic site.  Sections at a site can be fenced off, of
> course, but that could drastically reduce any sense of involvement with
> the past and generally creates a 'then and now/them and us' situation
> which I find reduces visitor interest considerably.
>
> A positive aspect, in this instance, was that the stations and
> corresponding audio were numbered in such as way as to guide the visitor
> through Frida Kahlo's remarkable work and life (both so inextricably
> linked), in a chronological and developmental journey that might
> otherwise have been missed.
>
> Numbers beside the paintings discussed on audio were large and well
> placed.
>
> The sets were expensive and sophisticated, light and easy to operate.
> The sound control was such that no one's audio journey interefered with
> that of another's (and the exhibit was crowded to capacity).
>
> Several different voices (both male and female; some Mexican, some
> American, some European; some old, some young) were used on the tape.
> This created variety and maintained interest.  However, there were two
> voices that were
> constant: that of the 'guide' and that of the curator.  This produced a
> sense of comfort, almost to the degree of friendship.  Quite important,
> actually, in my view, and something that a live interpreter supplies
> automatically.
>
> I thoroughly enjoyed the audio experience and learned a great deal about
> Frida Kahlo and her work.  However, I'd recommend headsets for a
> relatively small museum like Bella Coola, where visitors can be
> monitored and security of artifacts maintained, over an artifact on a
> living history site, like the roadhouse at Hat Creek Ranch, which is a
> long way from the Visitors' Centre and would mean some lonely soul has
> to stand around with little to do, when not maintaining the garden and
> dusting.
>
> Christine Pilgrim
> Hands-on-History
> Website: www.christinepilgrim.com
> Email: christinepilgrim@telus.net
> Phone/Fax: 1 877 767 7622 (Toll free) & (250) 542 4152 (Local) The
> Caetani House
> 4-3401 Pleasant Valley Road
> Vernon   BC  V1T 4L4
>
> > April 14, 2008
> >
> > Dear Colleagues:
> >
> > Back in 1990 we had tape players rented with guided tours.  We came to
>
> > the conclusion that they may have a place in a static museum
> > situation, but that they took away from the experience at a site like
> > Barkerville.  They are not as free from the need of a human as one
> > would think - they break down, one has to manage them, etc.  We felt
> > the money was best spent having a real person rather than the head
> set.
> >
> > I do see how they might have advantages in certain situations - like
> > the wands at the Egyptian exhibition at Expo 86 - an exhibit with a
> > beginning and an end where someone can be stationed to distribute and
> > pick up the equipment.  But, they are pieces of equipment that you
> > have to drag around, that can become easily lost or misplaced -
> > especially at a place like Hat Creek where there are so many nooks and
>
> > crannies.  I would think twice before investing in technology that
> > requires servicing, maintenance and accounting, especially in an
> outdoor situation.
> >
> > If you are looking at technology that 'tells you as you go along' then
>
> > one might consider motion activated devices that turn on when people
> > self actuate it or move past it.  Signage can have the same effect and
>
> > could be much cheaper in the long run.  If you are trying to achieve
> > ambience with voice overs - i.e. the story told by a worker at the
> > ranch - remember that people have limited attention spans and will
> > only listen for a short while prior to making a decision to move on -
> > unless there is something visual to keep their attention.  There are
> > digital picture frames now that also could be investigated - they can
> > be programmed to rotate from image to image and I would think that a
> > continuous play device could have voice overs for such a treatment.
> >
> > In general exhibit development, we gage that a sentence or two is the
> > most that one will actually read.  We do have longer texts and some
> > recorded material, but, in general it is no more time consuming than
> > what a general visitor might endure.  We have also utilized some
> > formats that are much lengthier, such as placement of an entire book
> > (laminated and with solid rings for turning pages) of information for
> > those who really want in-depth information that an interpreter would
> just not have at their command.
> > However, in terms of getting a message across - a good headline is the
>
> > best (newspapers are the best examples).
> >
> > Note that there are also health considerations with head sets - what
> > was in that last person's ear/hair, etc.???  And, not least, will it
> > distract people in the ranch setting - which has horses, wagons, etc.,
>
> > that a person listening to the head set might become entangled with?
> >
> > W. (Bill) G. Quackenbush, Curator
> > Barkerville Historic Town,
> > Box 19, Barkerville, B.C.  V0K 1B0
> > Telephone: 1-888-994-3332; ex. 25
> > Fax: 1-250-994-3435
> > bill.quackenbush@barkerville.ca
> > visit - www.barkerville.ca for general information
>
> _______________________________________________
> Bcma-l mailing list
> Bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca
> http://hp.bccna.bc.ca/mailman/listinfo/bcma-l
>
> _______________________________________________
> Bcma-l mailing list
> Bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca
> http://hp.bccna.bc.ca/mailman/listinfo/bcma-l
>
> _______________________________________________
> Bcma-l mailing list
> Bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca
> http://hp.bccna.bc.ca/mailman/listinfo/bcma-l
>

-- 
Larry A. Ewashen
Doukhobor Discovery Centre
112 Heritage Way
Castlegar BC V1N 4M5
www.Doukhobor-Museum.org
250-365-5327

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<div>Our system is to have our guides park their cell phones in the lunch room when on duty, same as head phones, i pods etc.</div>
<div>Guests use cell phones occasionally but must leave the room if the guide is talking. &nbsp;</div>
<div>On 17/04/2008, <a href="mailto:bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca">bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca</a> &lt;<a href="mailto:bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca">bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca</a>&gt; wrote:
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="PADDING-LEFT: 1ex; MARGIN: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; BORDER-LEFT: #ccc 1px solid">I am considering the cell phone route-does anyone have any feedback on this-does it encourage other annoying cell phone use for instance? 
Debbie Trueman, General Manager Nanaimo District Museum P (250)753-1821 F (250)740-0125 <a href="mailto:debbie@nanaimomuseum.ca">debbie@nanaimomuseum.ca</a> -----Original Message----- From: <a href="mailto:bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca">bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca</a> 
[mailto:<a href="mailto:bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca">bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca</a>] Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 4:21 PM To: <a href="mailto:bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca">bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca</a> Subject: RE: [Bcma-l] Re: Guided Tours with Headsets] 
 Apologies if this suggestion was presented earlier. Another option to consider is a cell phone program. The New Museum in New York utilizes this system as well as some other New York art museums. I did not use it, however I noticed several people who did. 
Individuals dialled in a specific code related to an object and they received their information...kind of slick. The savings on purchasing/leasing or maintenance of hand-held devices would be significant. I do not know about the start up costs though - they may be 
more. Something to think about. Regards, Darrin Martens Director/Curator Burnaby Art Gallery 6344 Deer Lake Avenue Burnaby, B.C. Canada V5G 2J3 Tel: 604.297.4426 Fax: 604.205.7339 E-mail: <a href="mailto:darrin.martens@burnaby.ca">darrin.martens@burnaby.ca</a> 
<a href="http://www.burnabyartgallery.ca">www.burnabyartgallery.ca</a> Please note that the gallery&#39;s phone numbers are changing. As of February 28, 2008 my direct line will be 604.297.4426. The gallery&#39;s 
main line will be 604.297.4422. -----Original Message----- From: <a href="mailto:bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca">bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca</a> [mailto:<a href="mailto:bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca">bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca</a>] 
Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 6:20 AM To: <a href="mailto:bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca">bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca</a> Subject: [Bcma-l] Re: Guided Tours with Headsets] What a thoughtful response, Bill!&nbsp;&nbsp;And so insightful! 
Having worked at both Barkerville and Hat Creek Ranch as a live interpreter, I totally agree with all you have said, and have learned from it too.&nbsp;&nbsp;Thank you! During the course of my work in history interpretation over the past 
seventeen years, I have spent much time, money and effort, researching various other forms of bringing history to life, as well as that with which I&#39;m so deeply involved. Most recently, I was privileged to visit the Philadelphia Art Museum and 
the Frida Kahlo exhibit in particular.&nbsp;&nbsp;They had audio tours there. Here&#39;s my report:- Headsets attached to remote controls were distributed by two personnel at the beginning of the exhibit and collected by another two at the end. 
Given that this exhibit was extremely popular and the PAG is an enormous institution, it still illustrates the fact that someone has to be available to distribute and collect the audio sets, check them for functionality and maintain them (including avoiding health risks by 
sterilization or earpiece replacement). There were attendants throughout the exhibit.&nbsp;&nbsp;They looked bored and disinterested and were, when approached, not particularly helpful or well-informed - a negative experience for both staff and visitor. 
However, these attendants were necessary to maintain security and protect the paintings/photographs from damage, as would be the case at a museum or historic site.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sections at a site can be fenced off, of course, but that could drastically reduce any sense of involvement with 
the past and generally creates a &#39;then and now/them and us&#39; situation which I find reduces visitor interest considerably. A positive aspect, in this instance, was that the stations and corresponding audio were numbered in such as way as to guide the visitor 
through Frida Kahlo&#39;s remarkable work and life (both so inextricably linked), in a chronological and developmental journey that might otherwise have been missed. Numbers beside the paintings discussed on audio were large and well 
placed. The sets were expensive and sophisticated, light and easy to operate. The sound control was such that no one&#39;s audio journey interefered with that of another&#39;s (and the exhibit was crowded to capacity). 
 Several different voices (both male and female; some Mexican, some American, some European; some old, some young) were used on the tape. This created variety and maintained interest.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, there were two 
voices that were constant: that of the &#39;guide&#39; and that of the curator.&nbsp;&nbsp;This produced a sense of comfort, almost to the degree of friendship.&nbsp;&nbsp;Quite important, actually, in my view, and something that a live interpreter supplies 
automatically. I thoroughly enjoyed the audio experience and learned a great deal about Frida Kahlo and her work.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, I&#39;d recommend headsets for a relatively small museum like Bella Coola, where visitors can be 
monitored and security of artifacts maintained, over an artifact on a living history site, like the roadhouse at Hat Creek Ranch, which is a long way from the Visitors&#39; Centre and would mean some lonely soul has 
to stand around with little to do, when not maintaining the garden and dusting. Christine Pilgrim Hands-on-History Website: <a href="http://www.christinepilgrim.com">www.christinepilgrim.com</a> Email: <a href="mailto:christinepilgrim@telus.net">christinepilgrim@telus.net</a> 
Phone/Fax: 1 877 767 7622 (Toll free) &amp; (250) 542 4152 (Local) The Caetani House 4-3401 Pleasant Valley Road Vernon&nbsp;&nbsp; BC&nbsp;&nbsp;V1T 4L4 &gt; April 14, 2008 &gt; &gt; Dear Colleagues: &gt; &gt; Back in 1990 we had tape players rented with guided tours.&nbsp;&nbsp;We came to 
 &gt; the conclusion that they may have a place in a static museum &gt; situation, but that they took away from the experience at a site like &gt; Barkerville.&nbsp;&nbsp;They are not as free from the need of a human as one 
&gt; would think - they break down, one has to manage them, etc.&nbsp;&nbsp;We felt &gt; the money was best spent having a real person rather than the head set. &gt; &gt; I do see how they might have advantages in certain situations - like 
&gt; the wands at the Egyptian exhibition at Expo 86 - an exhibit with a &gt; beginning and an end where someone can be stationed to distribute and &gt; pick up the equipment.&nbsp;&nbsp;But, they are pieces of equipment that you 
&gt; have to drag around, that can become easily lost or misplaced - &gt; especially at a place like Hat Creek where there are so many nooks and &gt; crannies.&nbsp;&nbsp;I would think twice before investing in technology that 
&gt; requires servicing, maintenance and accounting, especially in an outdoor situation. &gt; &gt; If you are looking at technology that &#39;tells you as you go along&#39; then &gt; one might consider motion activated devices that turn on when people 
&gt; self actuate it or move past it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Signage can have the same effect and &gt; could be much cheaper in the long run.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are trying to achieve &gt; ambience with voice overs - i.e. the story told by a worker at the 
&gt; ranch - remember that people have limited attention spans and will &gt; only listen for a short while prior to making a decision to move on - &gt; unless there is something visual to keep their attention.&nbsp;&nbsp;There are 
&gt; digital picture frames now that also could be investigated - they can &gt; be programmed to rotate from image to image and I would think that a &gt; continuous play device could have voice overs for such a treatment. 
&gt; &gt; In general exhibit development, we gage that a sentence or two is the &gt; most that one will actually read.&nbsp;&nbsp;We do have longer texts and some &gt; recorded material, but, in general it is no more time consuming than 
&gt; what a general visitor might endure.&nbsp;&nbsp;We have also utilized some &gt; formats that are much lengthier, such as placement of an entire book &gt; (laminated and with solid rings for turning pages) of information for 
&gt; those who really want in-depth information that an interpreter would just not have at their command. &gt; However, in terms of getting a message across - a good headline is the &gt; best (newspapers are the best examples). 
&gt; &gt; Note that there are also health considerations with head sets - what &gt; was in that last person&#39;s ear/hair, etc.???&nbsp;&nbsp;And, not least, will it &gt; distract people in the ranch setting - which has horses, wagons, etc., 
 &gt; that a person listening to the head set might become entangled with? &gt; &gt; W. (Bill) G. Quackenbush, Curator &gt; Barkerville Historic Town, &gt; Box 19, Barkerville, B.C.&nbsp;&nbsp;V0K 1B0 &gt; Telephone: 1-888-994-3332; ex. 25 
&gt; Fax: 1-250-994-3435 &gt; <a href="mailto:bill.quackenbush@barkerville.ca">bill.quackenbush@barkerville.ca</a> &gt; visit - <a href="http://www.barkerville.ca">www.barkerville.ca</a> for general information 
_______________________________________________ Bcma-l mailing list <a href="mailto:Bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca">Bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca</a> <a href="http://hp.bccna.bc.ca/mailman/listinfo/bcma-l">http://hp.bccna.bc.ca/mailman/listinfo/bcma-l</a> 
 _______________________________________________ Bcma-l mailing list <a href="mailto:Bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca">Bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca</a> <a href="http://hp.bccna.bc.ca/mailman/listinfo/bcma-l">http://hp.bccna.bc.ca/mailman/listinfo/bcma-l</a> 
 _______________________________________________ Bcma-l mailing list <a href="mailto:Bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca">Bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca</a> <a href="http://hp.bccna.bc.ca/mailman/listinfo/bcma-l">http://hp.bccna.bc.ca/mailman/listinfo/bcma-l</a> 
</blockquote></div> -- Larry A. Ewashen Doukhobor Discovery Centre 112 Heritage Way Castlegar BC V1N 4M5 <a href="http://www.Doukhobor-Museum.org">www.Doukhobor-Museum.org</a> 250-365-5327

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