This discussion was originally published in the Viewpoints department of the March/April 2012 of Dimensions magazine.

Along with traditional measures of financial performance and customer satisfaction, a successful science center needs to show how it achieves its mission of engaging the public in science and technology. An innovative approach would be to convert evaluation studies into measures that account for the quality of the visitor learning experience, and to include these measures in the museum’s organizational scorecard.

Chantal Barriault, co-director of science communication and senior scientist, research and evaluation, Science North, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

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This is an extended discussion of the question that appeared in the Viewpoints department of the January/February 2012 issue of Dimensions magazine.

Science centers and museums should adopt overarching gift acceptance and ethical fundraising policies that should be approved by their governing boards.  In addition, in order to ensure accountability and informed decision-making regarding corporate sponsorships, institutions should develop written and board-approved policies and procedures to protect their assets and reputation and to guide institutional actions consistent with their mission. The American Association of Museums (AAM) has developed a document on this topic: Guidelines for Museums on Developing and Managing Business Support, which is available on the AAM website; the Association of Fundraising Professionals provides additional resources, including the Donor Bill of Rights; and Board Source provides sample policies and a variety of white papers related to this topic.

Erik G. Pihl, vice president for development, Pacific Science Center, Seattle
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This is an extended discussion of the question that appeared in the Viewpoints department of the November/December 2011 issue of Dimensions magazine.

Yes, we should. Science and technology raise controversial topics, and as institutions that promote civil engagement, we should present these topics as part of our responsibility to society. (Pictured: Bloomfield’s Peace Labyrinth exhibition.)

Maya Halevy, director
Bloomfield Science Museum Jerusalem, Israel

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This is an extended discussion of the question that appeared in the Viewpoints department of the September/October 2011 issue of Dimensions magazine.

We make time to celebrate successes! It’s important to focus on the impact our institution has on its visitors and how each staff person contributes to this impact. Additionally, we continue to have an Activities Team to develop time and space for staff to engage in fun activities during and outside of work hours. From chili cook-offs to baseball games, there are opportunities for staff to get to know each other and take their minds off of work from time to time. (Pictured: A staff-intern outing to a food festival in downtown Chicago.)

Joy Kubarek-Sandor, student and teacher programs manager
John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago

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This is an extended discussion of the question that appeared in the Viewpoints department of the July/August 2011 issue of Dimensions magazine. 

 Chabot Space & Science Center has proudly become the local source for environmental science education. Our newest exhibition, Bill Nye’s Climate Lab, increases climate literacy through engaging, solutions-based activities. Chabot’s 50,000+ school field trip visitors receive a captivating demonstration on how to create a “zero waste lunch” (pictured), helping us integrate our aggressive recycling and composting program. Even our Full Circle Café utilizes locally sourced products, which our discerning community demands.

Robert Ade, communications and media coordinator
Chabot Space & Science Center, Oakland, California
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