SI-ASB-2008: Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum


Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum 1300 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605 www.adlerplanetarium.org	Projects 4
The Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum - America's First Planetarium - was founded in 1930 by Chicago business leader Max Adler. The museum is home to two full-size planetarium theaters, including the world's first all-digital projection StarRider Theater and one of the world's most important antique instrument collections. The Adler is a recognized leader in science education, with a focus on inspiring young people, particularly women and minorities, to pursue careers in science.
Photos and Comments

Students who participated in ASB at the Adler Planetarium: Semyon Khokhlov, Satyendra Nainwal, Wei Chen, and David Hutchful.

I enjoyed learning about a whole new field and applying my skills in this new domain to help them realize their goals."

This experience... "did not affect my career plans, but it proved how the education SI prepares one to adapt to new domains and be effective in contributing to the domain."

More comments from participants...

Projects

Archives Project

Semyon Khokhlov. Code: ADLER-01

Interns
1-2

The mission of the Adler Planetarium Institutional Records is to appraise, collect, arrange, describe and preserve records of long-term historical value to the Adler Planetarium and then provide access to and reference services for this collection.

The student intern, with supervision, will survey and process a series of records from the Adler's history. Activities will include preservation (re-housing and some photocopying), arrangement (intellectual and physical), and description (resulting in Series' descriptions and container lists).

The following are desired: Strong attention to detail. Computer Word Processing. Careful handling of fragile materials. Lift 50 pounds.

Research Collections

Code: ADLER-02

Interns
1-2

A student intern, with supervision, will collaborate with the librarian to create a plan to reorganize the serials collection. The student will create a spreadsheet or database from a written inventory (already created), its data entry, and the reorganization of the serials. This project plan will allow Research Collections staff to continue the implementation of the plan, data entry, and inventory and subscription management after the student intern has completed the project. The student will be trained in the activities and behaviors of handling and working in an environment with rare materials.

The following are desired: Strong attention to and patience with detail. Computers: word processing, spreadsheet, database management, and data entry. Careful handling of fragile materials. Lifting 20-30 pounds. Understanding of library organization database creation.

Space Visualization Lab Developing and Testing

Satyendra Nainwal, Wei Chen, and David Hutchful. Code: ADLER-03

Interns
2-4

Students will be responsible for assisting with the creation of new visualization experiences for Adler visitors. These experiences fall into three categories:
1) video animation (pre-rendered video)
2) interactive development (game-like experiences) and
3) creation of presentation experiences (incorporation of new data into existing innovative visualization systems).

Various projects are being developed all of the time, and students will be assisting with a variety of these projects. Students will also be involved in testing new devices and hardware.

Usability and Visitor Experience on the Adler Museum Website

Code: ADLER-04

Interns
4-6

The Adler Planetarium is seeking four to six students interested in website usability and visitor experience to conduct audience research the week of February 25 through 29, 2008. Students will work with Adler web staff to design and implement an evaluation plan, including working with staff to both craft and run the protocol as well as sifting through the results to make redesign recommendations. This project is particularly aimed at students interested in turning audience feedback into practical, user-centered information architecture.

Participants' Comments

Space Visualization Lab Developing and Testing

"I helped make the process of preparing images for a tile display more efficient, assisted astronomers with running visualizations during public hours, and evaluated WorldWideTour - a Microsoft product for astronomers. I enjoyed learning about a whole new field and applying my skills in this new domain to help them realize their goals. The organization was very welcoming and willing to help me learn the ropes fast. My supervisors were trusting and open to ideas of how to go about various tasks. They were also challenging in that they articulated their visions of what could be and encouraged me to try and attain them despite the given short time."

This experience... "did not affect my career plans, but it proved how the education SI prepares one to adapt to new domains and be effective in contributing to the domain."

The SI Alternative Spring Break is open to graduate students of the University of Michigan's School of Information. Undergraduates looking for Alternative Spring Break opportunities should look into the University of Michigan Alternative Spring Break program administered by U-M's Ginsberg Center.