How do I allow for maintenance of computer based exhibits?
“Out of order” signs are frustrating for visitors. Although computers tend to be fairly durable in exhibits (I’ve seen several run uninterrupted for a couple years), problems can arise suddenly without warning. It is good to have a maintenance plan of action ready to go at the time of exhibit installation. Either an onsite service contract with a responsive vendor or an identified source of troublesome components such as hard drives is a necessity. Backup copies of the program should be stored in a couple locations, and a staff member should regularly run through the program to be sure it is working. Custom-developed interfaces can be especially troublesome, though the problem is often something as simple as a loose cable. For custom programs, negotiate at the start of the project to have a copy of the program’s source code (or at least an installation disk) and a list of replacement parts with diagrams so that the museum isn’t dependent on a single person to keep the exhibit running.
