Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation
5-2013
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
M.A.
Department
History
Committee Chair
Vivian, Daniel J. F.
Author's Keywords
Interactivity; Museum exhibits; History museums
Subject
Museum exhibits--Design; Museums--Interactive multimedia
Abstract
This study examines interactive exhibits in a selection of museums in Louisville, Kentucky, and argues that interactive exhibits are a necessary addition to contemporary history museums. It examines the importance of interactivity, how it is used within museums, and critically evaluates the interactive exhibits examined in Louisville on their effectiveness. This effectiveness is judged using three measures: amount of self-directed learning or level of interaction involved, contextual information available, and information imparted to the visitors through the interactive experience. The study examines forty-three exhibits and concludes that a slight majority succeed with all three measures. The paper concludes that studies such as these must continue and, since there are limitations in the field on how to judge the success of these exhibits, a standardized measure must be created to more accurately judge the effectiveness and success of interactive exhibits in history museums.
Recommended Citation
Goforth, Robert Stephen 1983-, "Interactivity in Louisville museums." (2013). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 509.
https://doi.org/10.18297/etd/509
