The Michigan State University Museum used an interactive videodisc (IVD) as an introduction to a special exhibit, "Birds in Trouble in Michigan." The hardware components included a videodisc player, a microcomputer, a video monitor, and a mouse. Software included a HyperCard program and the videodisc "Audubon Society's VideoGuide to the Birds of North America: I." Designed to act as a conceptual pre-organizer, the HyperCard program used computer-generated text screens and segments from the videodisc to introduce vocabulary and discuss concepts and principles illustrated in the exhibit. Video segments also provided a context for observing the mounts by discussing identification and illustrating bird behavior in their habitats. The study took place over 10 weekend days with 5 days randomly assigned to control and 5 to experimental conditions. Under experimental conditions, the IVD system was set up for a 2-hour period outside the entrance to the exhibit hall. All visitors during the data collection periods were videotaped, and the HyperCard program recorded visitors' responses under the experimental condition. It was found that the presence of the IVD program significantly increased visitors' time within the exhibit area; groups with children were more likely to use the program than adult only groups; groups with males (either adult or children) were more likely to use the program than those with females; and 75% of the program users selected a unique path through the program. These results suggest that interactive video can be used effectively as a pre-organizer for a museum exhibit, and that it encourages learning by enabling visitors to actively research their own interests. Ten sample computer screens are appended. (12 references) (BBM)