The Otago Museum's relocated Search Centre is getting more use now that it is easier to find.
A recent museum study showed the public had ''a lack of awareness of, and engagement with'' the centre at its previous location, near the entry to the Discovery World Tropical Forest.
At the previous location, visitors could learn more about museum artefacts by consulting reference books and fact sheets.
But the centre was ''obscured'' by the Discovery World desk and generally ''overshadowed'' by more highly visible parts of the museum, officials said.
Late last month, the redesigned centre was transferred to a prominent spot at the entry to the People of World Gallery, on the museum's second level.
Museum director Dr Ian Griffin said the new centre was ''more user friendly'', making it easier for visitors to connect with the museum and ''learn more about Otago's place in the world''.
And he was ''very pleased'' with the early public response and ''delighted to see more kids are using it''.
The somewhat bigger and brighter centre includes comfortable chairs where visitors can take a break, and reference books and magazines are provided.
Youngsters could also easily reach a series of touchable items, including a moa bone and shells, on a low table, organisers said.
