Is Google Ruining Your Exhibit Development Process?

First off, let me state that I really like Google --- I've even been to the Googleplex.

But Google has a real tendency to erode exhibit research and let some museum folks think that a Web-infused short cut is a substitute for the tricky work of actually understanding and connecting ideas together.

The Web is a great purveyor of information, but bits and bursts of information do not necessarily equal knowledge --- the type of deep understanding of a subject that leads to compelling stories and exhibitions. (This is also why many "digital panaceas" like QR codes applied in exhibitions are often so trivial, but that's for a future posting ...) 

Recently I've been bumping up against three types of Google abusers during the exhibit development process that are perfect examples of the axiom that "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing."


The Google "Expert" This first googly-eyed abuser is really someone who should know better, because they are often an expert in their respective field.  I've worked on several science-related exhibits recently where content experts on the exhibition team just send links or URLS (or just cut-and-paste sections of web pages) as responses to specific questions about scientific content.

Ummm ... I could do that Google search myself! (In cases like this, I've been sorely tempted to send back a link from this website) If you're an advisor or exhibit team expert, how about actually providing some nuanced advice or expertise --- otherwise why bother having exhibition advisors in the first place?



But Google says ...  The second miscreant always does a quick Google search of a particular exhibit content topic or material, and if the first (or first few) Google "hits" somehow differ from the direction the exhibition is heading, they'll pipe up with, "But Google says .." whether they actually have the foggiest notion of what's actually being considered.

Recently, I had a museum administrator claim we couldn't use a particular item in an exhibit demonstration because "Google says it's dangerous."  Despite the fact that I produced the correct references and even material safety data sheets, that particular idea was dropped from the exhibit programming.

Here's a news flash --- the top results in a Google search (or Wikipedia entry) can often be misleading, if not completely incorrect. Web searches are a place to start, but to set Google as the ultimate arbiter of exhibition content or design or activities is just plain silly.



The Google "Quick Draw Artist"  This last item is as much an etiquette issue as an exhibit development one.  Namely, people whipping out their screen-based devices to poke and search on even in the middle of a conversation.  Checking email and taking "Google potshots" during exhibit team meetings or discussions, is just plain rude.  If we're taking the time to schedule an in-person meeting, can't we just turn off the screens for a bit?


What do you think?  Is Google gumming up your exhibit development process, or can it "do no evil"?

Let us know in the Comments section below.


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Summer Museum/Exhibit/Design Books

Off to the beach, or heading off on vacation?  Here are three recent books to consider bringing along. I've really enjoyed them and I think ExhibiTricks readers will too.

Charlie and Kiwi: An Evolutionary Adventure  This colorful book is a companion to the traveling exhibition of the same name developed by the team at the New York Hall of Science.  While its primary audience is children and families, the book is worth a gander for the wonderful illustrations by Peter Reynolds, as well as the interesting way that evolutionary concepts are introduced.  My seven year old daughter says "two thumbs up."

The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements Author Sam Kean has done the near-impossible: changing my impression of the Periodic Table from dread to delight.  In the thematic chapters of his compelling and well-written book, Kean introduces the twisted history, as well as the amazing scientific concepts and characters wrapped inside the Periodic Table of the Elements.  I found an increased understanding and appreciation for the science embedded in every chapter, and learned lots of new concepts, too!  I think every intro Chemistry course should include Kean's book.

 

 

Last, but certainly not least, is The Convivial Museum.  Kathy McLean and Wendy Pollock have done a masterful job of assembling thematic chapters that remind us of the core elements of "conviviality" in museums.  This is a funny thing to say about a book, but it has lots of pictures.  But in this case, every picture really is worth several thousand words because each serves to illustrate "simple" concepts like seating or entrances and how tricky (and important!) they are to museum visitors.



Read any good books lately?  Tell us about your own summer reading recommendations in the "Comments" section below.




Don't miss out on any ExhibiTricks posts! It's easy to get updates via email or your favorite news reader. Just click the "Sign up for Automatic ExhibiTricks Blog Updates" link on the upper right side of the blog.

P.S. If you receive ExhibiTricks via email (or Facebook or LinkedIn) you will need to click HERE to go to the main ExhibiTricks page to make comments or view multimedia features (like videos!)

Budget Busters

Forget those boneheads in Washington wrangling over finances!  Here are some practical ways to stretch your own museum and exhibit budgets.

• Adapt things "Off the shelf" (OTS).  Many excellent exhibit and program starters can be found on the actual (or electronic) shelves of hardware, auto supply, and toy stores.  Take a stroll for inspiration, and check out some of my favorite OTS items here.


• You could also latch on to somebody else's "used but usable" exhibit items.  Here are two examples:

Get your own "Garden of Gizmos."  My pal Clifford Wagner, is selling his popular traveling Garden of Gizmos exhibition.  (EDITOR'S NOTE:  We were a little sloppy in the initial wording of this post --- the exhibition is retiring, NOT Clifford!) So here's your chance to get a batch of wonderful kinetic exhibits (interactive art pieces really) at a bargain price with a full one year warranty.  Get the full story here.

Bend Time to your Will  Or at least make a deal for the cool tile sundial pictured below (cute kid not included) from the Brooklyn Children's Museum.  Erik Fiks, BCM's Exhibit Manager says the museum's roof (where the sundial currently resides) is being redone, and they want to find the piece a good home.  Email Erik directly for all the details.

• Solve Design Problems "On the cheap"  Contrary to popular belief, prototyping and exhibit design testing does NOT have to be an expensive and time-consuming proposition.  Learn how to become an "Office Supply Ninja."


Have some other tips to stretch a museum budget?  Share your ideas in the "Comments" section below.


Don't miss out on any ExhibiTricks posts! It's easy to get updates via email or your favorite news reader. Just click the "Sign up for Automatic ExhibiTricks Blog Updates" link on the upper right side of the blog.

P.S. If you receive ExhibiTricks via email (or Facebook or LinkedIn) you will need to click HERE to go to the main ExhibiTricks page to make comments or view multimedia features (like videos!)