Built-in Antennae: Exhibit Floor Staff as Evaluation Resources

This article explores a variety of strategies for using museum floor staff as evaluation resources. Eric Siegel, Director and Chief Content Officer, discusses the New York Hall of Science's Science Career Ladder and how Explainers are involved in evaluation. Ryan Hill, Manager of Interpretive Programs and Curatorial Research Associate at the Hirshorn Musuem and Sculpture Garden, examines the The Guggenheim Museum's Gallery Guide as a case study on the value of feedback. Elizabeth Kunz Kollmann, Senior Research Associate and Evaluation Assistant at the Museum of Science in Boston, examines the methods, benefits, and drawbacks of collecting visitor data from staff. Finally, Carey Tisdal, independent evaluation consultant, investigates when and how floor staff perspectives are useful in evaluation.