Reviews

A useful reference for evaluating the effectiveness of exhibits and programs at museums, parks, and other public educational sites. The author explains how to plan an evaluation project and how to carry out that plan by means of selection, observation, interviews, questionnaires, and measuring and analyzing data. Public historians who seek a scientific and systematic approach to determining the success of their educational programs will find the guide useful.--Joe Mobley, Division of Archives and History "North Carolina Historical Review "

Diamond is to be applauded for addressing the issue of evaluation in museums, as there is limited information available in this area. Overall, the book provides a good overview of the evaluation process, and Chapter 2 gives an excellent explanation of informal learning environments. It is very readable with clear, concise descriptions, and written with a great deal of expertise.--Maureen Matthew, INNOVA Learning "Muse "

Diamond wastes no time in getting down to basics and her book is, indeed, filled with practical tips and advice on all aspects of evaluation....The book was most useful in narrowing the range of choices an evaluator confronts when deciding which types of data to collect and how best to analyze them.--Ava Ferguson, Monterey Bay Aquarium "Visitor Studies Today "

The methodology set out in this book provides even the smallest museum or historical site with the tools needed to conduct evaluations of the public....The strength of the book lies in its easy-to-follow format....Curators of museums or historic sites should look to Practical Evaluation Guide for guidance in evaluating their exhibits.--Ed Salo "Industrial Archeology "