Considering Audience Needs and Learning Styles

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Considering Audience Needs and Learning Styles
Working toward a shared perspective
Vendors IndependentProfessionals Matter to
Museums Using New Technologies Scott
Sayre Sandbox Studios / Museum411
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Many Hats

• University Researcher/Faculty
• Industrial Training Specialist
• Museum Division Manager
• Non-Profit Consortium Representative
• Self-employed - Sandbox/Museum411

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Roles of External Professionals

• Facilitation
• Consultation (short-term)
• Advisory (long-term)
• Trainer/Educator
• Project manager
• Production
• Product delivery support

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Potential Advantages of EPs

• Specialized knowledge
• Diversity of experience
• Short term projects/budgets
• Outside voice
• New set(s) of eyes
• Broader perspective - beyond museums

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Potential Disadvantages of EPs

• Lack of institutional understanding
• Higher short-term costs
• No long-term commitment/accessibility
• May be biased toward a particular product or
  philosophy
• May leave with institutional knowledge

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Case Studies in Failed Relationships

• Case 1 -
• From the museums perspective
• Lots of experience, no understanding

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Case Studies in Failed Relationships

• Case 2 -
• From the EPs perspective
• Big contract, little communication

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Working with External Professionals

• Prior to selecting - Beyond the RFP
• Define short and long-terms goals with key staff
• Define primary contact and time allocation
• Define project budget and long-term budget
• Assess potential impact of other
  initiatives/projects
• Define optimal and minimal qualifications
• Rank importance of skill sets communication,
  leadership, technical, etc.
• Assess free service alternatives

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Working with External Professionals

• Selecting an EP
• Talk to one or more references about similar work
• Determine the importance of the particular
  personality
• Assess scope and duration of project period
• Assess availability for duration of project
  period
• Develop a detailed contract with ability to opt
  out

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Working with External Professionals

• Questions for references
• Experience with similar work
• Availability
• Communication skills
• Ability to stay within schedule and budget
• Success of project/task
• Post-project availability

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Working with External Professionals

• When working with EPs
• Avoid surprises
• Provide an honest definition of role and goals
  upfront
• Define potential obstacles and strategies to work
  around them
• Plan and commit to regular check-in meetings
• Monitor and communicate relevant internal
  decisions
• Take time or orient contractor upfront
• Introduce/provide list of all potentially helpful
  contacts
• Take time in advance to plan meeting goals
• Dont hesitate to provide feedback

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Working with External Professionals

• Common mistakes when working with EPs
• Minimal staff commitment, support or involvement
• Hiring professionals with little or no museum
  experience
• Poor ongoing communication
• Secret agenda