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We've been using MP3 players for our audio tour at Prestongrange Museum since April 2004. My main concern had been that visitors would find them too fiddly, but this has not proven to be the case. These were slightly more expensive than the USB sticks you can get so cheaply now, and actually have a display, but the operation is very straightforward. They have a number of advantages for us. In particular, they are sufficiently robust for use across an open-air site, but small and light enough not to be a burden to visitors (this makes storage simpler too). We take credit card details or other deposit when that are handed out, though the use of them is free. It has proved to be very popular with visitors -- staff-guided tours were limited to 4 per day, while the audio tour is available all day, and visitor feedback has been very positive. We deliver the same tour via mobile phones also (again since April 2004), so it's available when the museum buildings are closed (the site being open 24/7/365) -- see <http://tour.prestongrange.org/>. We have plans for additional tours by mobile phone, alternate versions of the Prestongrange tour (other languages, one aimed specifically P6 - S2 students, etc), and also by selling downloads of the tours online for people to use on their own MP3 players (or whatever). As regards protecting content when you've sold it online -- you do it in the same way you protect your content when you sell it in a book, poster, postcard or CD. Best wishes Pete -- Peter M Gray Museums Officer > -----Original Message----- > From: Museums Computer Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On > Behalf Of Joe > Cutting > Sent: 16 May 2005 15:14 > To: [log in to unmask] > Subject: MP3 players for audio tours > > > Has anyone successfully used MP3 players for museum/gallery > audio tours. > My local Asda is selling MP3 players for £30 which is much > cheaper than > professional handsets > but I've got a few worries about using them such as: > > - Visitors won't want to share earpieces so you'll need some > kind of headset > - The controls can be really small and fiddly which isn't > great for the > visually impaired who otherwise can get a lot out of an audio tour > - They're obviously useful for other things so visitors may > walk off with them. > > Anyone tried this in the wild or have any recommendations? > > Best Wishes > > Joe > > > -- > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. > Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.11.11 - Release Date: > 16/05/2005 > > _____________________________________________________________________ > This e-mail has been scanned for viruses by MCI's Internet > Managed Scanning Services - powered by MessageLabs. For > further information visit http://www.mci.com > ********************************************************************** Email Disclaimer - East Lothian Council This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the sender and ensure it is deleted and not read copied or disclosed to anyone else. It is your responsibility to scan this email and any attachments for computer viruses or other defects. East Lothian Council do not accept liability for any loss or damage which may result from this email or any files attached. Email is not secure and can be intercepted, corrupted or amended without the knowledge of the sender. East Lothian Council do not accept liability for errors or omissions arising as a result of interrupted or defective transmission. ********************************************************************** _____________________________________________________________________ This e-mail has been scanned for viruses by MCI's Internet Managed Scanning Services - powered by MessageLabs. For further information visit http://www.mci.com