Standards for Exhibits

I.     Audience and Awareness

• Exhibits should target one or more age groups from birth through 12 years.

• Focus on families and learning by engaging and encouraging inter-generational involvement.

• Be relevant to a variety of regional communities in the New River Valley while also supporting global connections.

II.    Content

• Reflects one or more of the museum’s focuses of music, science, technology, art, and regional heritage by instilling a sense of discovery through a  variety of formats (i.e. tactile, 2D, 3D, multimedia, etc.).
  

• Exhibits are age appropriate to the museum’s target audience and reflects current knowledge and interests of the community.
  

III.   Collections

• It is recommended that exhibits utilize an environmentally friendly design (light levels, climate control). 
  

• Objects are securely mounted appropriately to allow maximum security and safety.

• Exhibits can be easily managed within the museum’s budget.

• Prior to the acquisition of a physical space for the Blacksburg Children's Museum, museum volunteers will collaborate with the donating party to find a suitable site location or storage space for accepted exhibits.

• Exhibits can be easily assembled and disassembled as well as portable for the purpose of traveling displays (ie: traveling exhibit may be temporarily displayed at a school, childcare center, special event).

• Exhibits will be available upon the request of the Blacksburg Children's Museum.

IV.   Interpretation

• The message of exhibits are clear and coherent throughout.

• Exhibits are engaging by allowing the subject matter to come to life through attractive presentation and interactive connections.

V.    Design and Production

• It is recommended that designs can be adaptable to changes over time.

• Exhibits should be bright and aesthetically pleasing.

• Designs should be able to accommodate the needs of group of all sizes.

• Natural, functional, durable, non-toxic substances and materials must be used to construct exhibits. Documentation of these materials may be requested. 
  

• It is recommended that exhibits also utilize reused or reusable items in its construction.

VI.   Accessibility

• Should accommodate the needs and accessibility of all visitors.

• Clear and easy to understand and instructions are included if needed.

• Labels are engaging, informative, legible, and easy to understand.

VII.  Indicators of Excellence

• World-class in design by exciting visitors and leaving them with a positive experience.

• Promotes spontaneous interactive discovery experiences through imitation, problem- solving, experimentation, creativity and the introduction of new experiences.

• The innovative uses of media, materials, and design elements are a dependable resource to the community and offer information in a provocative way.

• Promotes learning and play through early educational models:
  

• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
• Virginia Department of Education-Standards of Learning(VADOE)
  
• International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
  

The Blacksburg Children's Museum Standards were adapted from the American Association of Museums Standards for Museum Exhibitions and Indicators of Excellence. The standards chosen by the Blacksburg Children's Museum were adopted by the Board of Directors on March 2, 2011.