Museum docent
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Museum docent is a title used in the United States for educators trained to further the public's understanding of the cultural and historical collections of the institution, including local and national museums, planetariums, zoos, historical landmarks, and parks. The term is derived from the Latin word docēns, which is the present active participle of docēre (to teach, to lecture). In many cases, docents, in addition to their prescribed function as guides, also conduct research utilizing the institution's facilities. They are normally volunteers.
Prospective docents generally undergo an intensive training process, at the expense of the educational institution, which teaches them good communicative and interpretive skills, as well as introduces them to the institution's collection and its historical significance. They are also provided with reading lists to add to the basic information provided during training, and must then "shadow" experienced docents as they give their tours before ultimately conducting a tour on their own.
New York City Ballet uses the title for volunteers who deliver Fourth Ring Talks (also called First Position Discussions) which are held before certain performances, the docents being volunteers and including laymen as well as former dancers.
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