Thriving in the Knowledge Age

New Business Models for Museums and Other Cultural Institutions

By (author) John H. Falk, Beverly K. Sheppard

Publication date:

30 March 2006

Length of book:

280 pages

Publisher

AltaMira Press

ISBN-13: 9780759107588

In Thriving in the Knowledge Age, John Falk and Beverly Sheppard argue that museums require a radically new business model to survive the transition into the knowledge age. Only by shifting towards more personalized and community-based learning experiences can museums reverse the declining attendance figures of the twenty-first century. Written to provide clear answers to fundamental questions about the purpose and goals of the museum of the future, this visionary book is a must-have for museum professionals and trustees.

Chapter 1 Preface
Part 2 I. Doing Business in a Knowledge Age
Chapter 3 1. A World in Transition
Chapter 4 2. Creating a New Business Model
Part 5 II. An Environmental Scan: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Chapter 6 3. Business in the Industrial Age
Chapter 7 4. The Brave New World of the Knowledge Age
Part 8 III. Building a Knowledge Age Business Model
Chapter 9 5. Experiences That Matter
Chapter 10 6. Understanding What's Important
Chapter 11 7. Being Community
Chapter 12 8. Attending to the Bottom Line
Part 13 IV. Implementing and Sustaining a Knowledge Age Business Model
Chapter 14 9. Strategic Decision-Making
Chapter 15 10. Putting It All Together: Thriving in the Knowledge Age
Chapter 16 References

A most valuable read for those concerned about America's museums and cultural institutions, willing to confront realities, and uncertain what to do, and for those adventuring beyond traditional fundamentals of the model. Falk and Sheppard will challenge your thinking and give you ideas galore.