There has been, and continues to be, an explosion of interest in developing new small science centers that is changing the world of museums. This handbook is designed to be a one-stop source for future and current centers, and anyone interested in the important roles these institutions play in their communities. With articles—all written by leaders in field—covering everything from administration, staffing, finance, marketing, exhibit design, and beyond, this comprehensive resource will be essential reading for institutions that are operating successfully, struggling to survive, and those planning major expansions.

Contributions by: Pat Adams, American Association of Museums, Association of Science-Technology Centers, Elsa B. Bailey, Mary Baske, Bronwyn Bevan, Colleen Blair, Vicki Breazeale, Kim L. Cavendish, Al DeSena, Kirsten M. Ellenbogen, Adela "Laddie" SkiptonElwell, John H. Falk, Claude Faubert, Peter B. Giles, Kit Goolsby, Hands On! Inc, George E. Hein, Cassandra L. Henry, Asger Høeg, Marilyn Hoyt, Karen Johnson, Maureen E. Kennedy, Lucy Kirshner, Kathleen R. Krafft, Thomas Krakauer, Watson "Mac" Laetsch, Darlene Librero, Laura Martin, Ronen Mir, Alan Nursall, Chuck O'Connor, Paul Orselli, Andrée Peek, Stephen Pizzey, Melanie Quin, Albert J. Read, Beryl Rosenthal, Christen E. Runge, Beverly S. Sanford, Dennis Schatz, Rebecca Schatz, Harold Skramstad, Susan Skramstad, Robert Semper, David Taylor, Charlie Trautmann, Susan B. F. Wageman, Charlie Walter, Robert "Mac" West, Kim Whaley