Paperback - £41.00

Publication date:

08 June 2006

Length of book:

310 pages

Publisher

AltaMira Press

ISBN-13: 9780759107540

What underlying philosophy and mission should museums pursue in the first half of the twenty-first century? In Museum Philosophy, twenty-four authors use the lenses of a variety of disciplines to answer this essential question. Museum professionals offer their answers alongside philosophers, historians, political scientists, educators, sociologists, and others in a wide-ranging exploration of institutions from art museums to zoos.

Hugh Genoway's book offers philosophical and ethical guidelines, describes the ways specific institutions illustrate different philosophies, examines major divisions in the museum community, and explores outreach and engagement between the museum and its larger community. Both established museum professionals and students of museum studies will benefit from this insightful look into the foundations and future of their field.
Hugh Genoways has engaged national and international proponents of museological theory and practice to address a range of topics that will benefit museum personnel as they prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century. This is a book that should be read with a keen eye toward the expanding roles and responsibilities of museums in the new millennium.