This blog post is part of a series providing information for organizations hosting the Nano mini-exhibition created by the NISE Network about the use, maintenance, and general ways to enhance your copy of Nano.
Whether you are currently hosting Nano or planning to host Nano, one of the first places to refer to is the Nano mini-exhibition listing on the nisenet.org website: http://www.nisenet.org/catalog/exhibits/nano_mini-exhibition
For those currently hosting the exhibit, the long list of resources available for download here is also available in hard copy, in the thick binder titled "Host Resources" that accompanied your copy of Nano. These resources range from marketing materials to maintenance information. Most if not all questions about the exhibition can be answered here. With that in mind, one of the most important documents here for getting started is the Technical Manual.
From installation and maintenance to shipping and delivery, this manual will guide you through preparing, receiving, installing, and day-to-day use of your mini-exhibition. So…where to begin? Perhaps not every member of your staff will need to read this manual, but for anyone preparing for the exhibition’s delivery, installation, or day-to-day upkeep, this text is an absolute must.
Starting on page four (4), you’ll find a list of supplies needed for the minimal assembly required. This page will also direct you to the small box labeled "Manuals," that will ship with your copy and contains all hardware included with the piece. From here, the next twenty-some pages give a run down of each exhibition component – hardware needed, assembly instructions, etc. After reviewing this info, a few staff should be all you need to unload, assemble and setup your copy of Nano. However, if you incur problems, refer to the "Troubleshooting" section that begins on page twenty-nine (29).
Example Floor plan Layouts:
Once your copy is put together, you may ask "what’s the best configuration for my museum?" The "Reference" section that begins on page thirty-five (35) provides a number of layouts as well as component dimensions to help you determine a floor plan that fits your needs.
Replacement Parts:
"Oh no, I just broke ---INSERT NAME--- piece!" Also within the Reference section, starting on page thirty-eight (38) is the "Replacement Parts" list. Here every replaceable piece is detailed, with item numbers, size, etc., as well as venders that have the parts available.
Wiring Diagrams:
Looking for a wiring diagram? Look no further than page forty-two (42)!
Safety Information:
How about MSDS information? Find that on pages forty-three to fifty-one (43-51).
Regular Upkeep and Maintenance:
Finally, as you think about preparing staff for daily upkeep on the exhibit, take a look back at pages twenty-six and twenty-seven (26-27) for tips on regular maintenance and routine upkeep (there will be blogs to come in this series that address additional materials created to help support general maintenance of the exhibit).
"But wait! I haven’t even set up my shipping date yet!"
Reviewing the Tech Manual before we ship your copy of Nano out is a great way to ensure a smooth setup when the time comes. The "Shipping" section of the manual will also provide the details you need to receive the shipment. Starting on page fifty-two (52) with a list of pallets and dimensions, as well as specific materials used in packing the shipment. There is a manifest on page fifty-three (53) and photos that follow of each pallet from every angle, so you know exactly what to expect when the exhibition is delivered.
So what have we learned? "The Technical Manual is the go-to resource for…"
- Assembly instructions
- Floor plans for set-up
- Troubleshooting help
- Replacement parts list with vendor info and item numbers
- Routine maintenance and upkeep advice
- Shipping info
On that note, for anyone preparing for delivery of Nano to their institution, check out our next blog post… Making the most of your mini-exhibition: Shipping & Receiving
If you have any questions about this or any other "Making the Most of your mini-exhibition" blog post, please contact Christina Akers: [email protected]