In my experience it will only be the odd one that goes missing which is no
different to anything else. It would be less intimidating and more welcoming
if they were not 'secured'. It may well be that if you treat your visitors
as if they will 'borrow' they are more likely to behave that way. I have had
experiences of embarrassed parents bringing back items 'borrowed' by their
children - little ones do not think in the same way.
Towse Harrison
SUN JESTER
Consultants for Lifelong Learning
Historical Interpreters
Community Artists
12 Ascott Road, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1HX
Tel: 01296 423118
"Anyone who tries to make a distinction between education and entertainment
doesn't know the first thing about either". - Herbert Marshall McLuhan
1911-1980
----- Original Message -----
From: "Hughes, Jane" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2006 12:06 PM
Subject: [GEM] Books for visitors in museums
We are gradually amassing a 'library' of fun and reference books for
children and young people to read and use to help investigate objects in
our Room to Discover, and through the rest of the museum. They range
from early learning books for under 5's through to DK Eyewitness series
books relevant to our collections. I am happy to replace them once they
collapse from use, but am anxious not to have to keep replacing them due
to them being 'borrowed' by our visitors.
Does anyone have suggestions about how to secure them without seeming to
appear too distrustful of our visitors? Or do I have to accept that the
odd one will go missing if we have them out in the gallery?
Any suggestions gratefully received.
Thanks
Jane
Jane C. Hughes
Audience Development Officer
Hunterian Museum at The Royal College of Surgeons
____________________________________
35-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PE
t:020 7869 6561; f:020 7869 6564; [log in to unmask]
To find out more about the Hunterian Museum click here:
http://www.rcseng.ac.uk/museums
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