Science and technology centers, which are relative newcomers to the museum field, differ from traditional museums in a number of respects. They are concerned with furthering public understanding and appreciation of the physical and biological sciences, engineering, technology, and health and seek to accomplish this goal by making museums both enlightening and entertaining. They are best known for their contemporary rather than historic perspective and their reliance on participatory exhibit techniques rather than objects of intrinsic value. This book provides a hands-on, do-it-yourself guide to planning, building, and operating such facilities. Among the specific topics treated in detail are organization, the governing board, administration and management, security and safety, staffing, financing and fund-raising activities, community services, public relations, educational programming, publications, membership, collections management, exhibit design, temporary and traveling exhibitions, and evaluation techniques. In addition, the educational philosophy and historical development of these centers are discussed. Also discussed are the various types of centers, including comprehensive centers (such as industry or educationally oriented centers), specialized centers (such as health, energy, transportation, space, and nature centers), and limited centers (such as museums with science center components). (JN)