InfoAge Scientists: 

and more...

Books:
  Before the Blueprint: Science Center Buildings by Peter Anderson.  Considers all the elements in planning a new, old, or recycled science center building, from exhibition space to washrooms.
  A New Place for Learning Science: Starting and Running a Science Center by Sheila Grinell.  Provides an overview of the major issues confronting founders of new institutions: Articulating the Mission, Understanding the Audience, Planning Exhibits and Programs, and Setting up the Business.
  Science Center Planning Guide by Victor Danilov.  Addresses major considerations involved in starting a science center; includes a bibliography and comparative statistics on small, medium, and large science centers.
  Vision to Reality: Critical Dimensions in Science Center Development by Mark St.John and Sheila Grinell.  The results of an extensive survey of science centers and museums and in-depth, on-site interviews, this three-part report identifies dimensions that may be fundamental to the survival of new and developing science centers.
  Volunteer Program Management Guide by Ted Cox.  Explains how to set up a volunteer program, provides sample applications application and evaluation forms, and offers tips on working with special volunteer groups.
  Organizing Your Museum: The Essentials by Susan K. Nichols, Compiler and Editor.  A realistic overview of the duties and responsibilities of organizing and operating a center by the American Association of Museums.
Science Center Know-How  by Pacific Science Center, Published by ASTC.  A discussion about the philosophy of interactive science centers and the experiences of the Pacific Science Center staff.
Exploratorium Cookbook - A Construction Manual for Exploratorium Exhibits, Vol. 1-3, by R. Bruman and staff.  Plans and instructions for over 200 proven hands-on exhibits in use at the San Francisco Exploratorium.
First Hand Learning - Teacher Education in Science Museums, by Inverness Research Associates and ASTC.  Details of successful teacher programs in science centers.
Part of your General Public is Disabled, by Janice Majewski, A guide to help science center serve visitors and families with individual differences.
ASTC Salary Survey, results of 1997 survey of ASTC member science centers to assist in professional staff salary planning from CEO to general staff.
Museums, Magic and Children, by Bonnie Pitman-Gelles.  An overview of science center and children’s museum creation and program development.

Bulletins of interest to new science centers.
  Marking: Structuring for Success by Kim Maher
  Collective Strategies for Obtaining Budget, Tax Funds by Jill Reiss
  Both Sides of the Table: Grantwriters' Keynotes and Questions by Carol Inmann and Bob Russell
  Visitor Safety in Exhibit Design and Production by Larry Ralph
Working Protypes - Exhibit Design at the Exploratorium by Frank Oppenheimer
Hands-On Science - A Teacher’s Guide to Student-Built Experiments
The Informal Science Review

Article reprints from ASTC Newsletters
  Marketing Basics by Kim Maher
  Preparing the Community for a New Science Center by Chris Raymond
  Build Process Boasts Affordability, Community Bonding by Jill Reiss
  Right from the Start: The Role of Outreach Programs in Launching a Science Center by Charles Howarth Jr.

Proposal Preparation Resources
National Science Foundation: Guide to Programs
Grant Proposal Guide NSF 99-2
Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education  Program Announcement and Guidelines, NSF Directorate for Education and Human Resources
National Endowment for the Humanities Public Programs
National Endowment for the Humanities Challenge Grants
The Employer Participation Model National Employer Leadership Council
Meeting the Technology Challenge - Building New Learning Communities U.S. Department of Education
Transportation Enhancement Activities - TEA-21 Provisions Department of Transportation
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program U.S. Department of Education