[Page 48]The Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) is a membership association representing science centers and museums worldwide. Incorporated in 1973, its membership includes large and small science centers, museums, and other interactive, hands-on science learning institutions in nearly 50 countries. ASTC played a leading role in the creation of the Institute of Museum Services, a federal agency initially charged with providing support to museums, later expanded to include libraries and renamed the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Historically, ASTC played a significant role in traveling exhibits for museums; it now focuses on professional development, informal science learning research, and advocacy for the field. ASTC houses the Center for Advancement of Informal Science Education (CAISE), a center funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) ...