Museum Philosophy for the Twenty-First Century - Paperback

by Robert R. Archibald (Contribution by), Patrick J. Boylan (Contribution by), David Carr (Contribution by)

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.

Author Biography

Hugh H. Genoways is Professor of Museum Studies and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He has co-written Museum Administration with Lynne M. Ireland, published by AltaMira Press in 2003. He is also the editor of Collections: A Journal for Museum and Archives Professionals.