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  • 1.  Logging Exhibit comments

    Posted 04-22-2024 13:15
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    Hello All!

    We just opened a new exhibit that includes a feedback wall (picture included). I wondered how others have saved and logged similar features? I've started an Excel sheet but would love to hear or see other ideas or layout suggestions, especially anything that helps with future data analyses.  

    Thank you as always!

    -Bonnie



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    Bonnie Seymour
    Registrar and Assistant Curator
    The Parthenon
    Nashville TN
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  • 2.  RE: Logging Exhibit comments

    Posted 04-25-2024 13:11

    Hi Bonnie,

    What a great question! I don't have personal experience with this, but allow me to share a few thoughts that may spark more ideas. I think an Excel spreadsheet is great idea. It is easily accessible for most users, and Excel offers a number of file formats giving you options should you need to migrate the data to another application or format in the future. The downside to Excel is that is is not the prettiest way to view data, especially comments that could become lengthy. If you are only collecting a a couple of data fields (i.e. name and feedback comment) then Excel is probably best. If your feedback form includes more specific questions (multiple data fields), a database may be more useful to organize and look at the responses.

    The other thought I have if you haven't already considered it, would be to preserve the physical components of your feedback wall. This could include creating an enclosure to house all of the notes that you receive. Or you may want to digitally record the elements of the wall including images like the example you have shared of people engaging with the exhibit. You could scan or take images of the feedback notes and store these in a separate file. From there you can link to them from your Excel spreadsheet. It would be a nice way to relate the data / content, with the physical engagement your visitors are sharing.



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    Jen Hunt Johnson
    Special Collections Conservator
    Hesburgh Libraries, University of Notre Dame
    jhuntjoh@nd.edu
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