02145nas a2200205 4500008004100000245007800041210006900119490000600188520150000194100001801694700002501712700002001737700002501757700002801782700002201810700002201832700002201854700002001876856004301896 2013 eng d00aV Factor: Volunteers as a bridge between museum scientists and the public0 aV Factor Volunteers as a bridge between museum scientists and th0 v13 a
V Factor is a new programme at the Natural History Museum in London. It offers volunteers the chance to work in public view alongside Museum scientists on collection-based research and curation projects, taking them from visitor to proactive volunteer. It aims to involve a volunteers project manager, scientists, curators, volunteers and the public in the museum’s research. Volunteers work alongside scientists on a research project whilst benefiting from a unique, informal and fun learning experience. Visitors are able to observe the processing of samples and interact with those involved. The management of this volunteer programme is described in this paper. The pilot project was ‘Throughflow’; an international study of Southeast Asian fossil corals as a means to describe the high biodiversity of their ecosystem and the effects of environmental change. Volunteers have successfully assisted with the cleaning of specimens so that they may be curated. At the same time, they have been discussing with experts project-related information, collections care, and the role of museums today. The programme has been continuously evaluated and changed as felt necessary. By March 2013, 45 volunteers were involved. Outcomes have included improved volunteer talent and education management, excellent assistance with scientific work and novel means of attracting the public to the museum’s work.
1 aMiller, Renee1 aJohnson, Kenneth, G.1 aThomas, Ali, L.1 aDouglas, Lyndsey, G.1 aSantodomingo, Nadiezhda1 aBroom, Yoke, Shum1 aAvedillo, Therese1 aMurray, Cassandra1 aSadler, Theresa uhttps://ipaeg.myspecies.info/node/2049