Interpretive labels can come in many forms and,
in the form of hand-held guides, may be used to
slow down the rate of depletion of attention. Robinson
(1928) reported a study (study No. 4) in which
pamphlets were used as a visitor guide to artwork
in a small museum. Those who used the guide spent
more time in the museum (28 vs. 17 minutes);
viewed a larger number of artworks (46 vs. 30), and
viewed a larger percentage of the artworks (25 vs.
17). Those who did not use the guide showed the
usual decrement in viewing time across their visitation.
Thus, the hand-held guide appeared to counteract
the fatigue effect usually observed.