Museums in a Troubled World

Renewal, Irrelevance or Collapse?

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Archaeology, Business & Finance, Industries & Professions
Cover of the book Museums in a Troubled World by Robert R. Janes, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Robert R. Janes ISBN: 9781134041688
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: May 12, 2009
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Robert R. Janes
ISBN: 9781134041688
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: May 12, 2009
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Are Museums Irrelevant?

Museums are rarely acknowledged in the global discussion of climate change, environmental degradation, the inevitability of depleted fossil fuels, and the myriad local issues concerning the well-being of particular communities – suggesting the irrelevance of museums as social institutions. At the same time, there is a growing preoccupation among museums with the marketplace, and museums, unwittingly or not, are embracing the values of relentless consumption that underlie the planetary difficulties of today.

Museums in a Troubled World argues that much more can be expected of museums as publicly supported and knowledge-based institutions. The weight of tradition and a lack of imagination are significant factors in museum inertia and these obstacles are also addressed. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, combining anthropology ethnography, museum studies and management theory, this book goes beyond conventional museum thinking.

Robert R. Janes explores the meaning and role of museums as key intellectual and civic resources in a time of profound social and environmental change. This volume is a constructive examination of what is wrong with contemporary museums, written from an insider’s perspective that is grounded in both hope and pragmatism. The book’s conclusions are optimistic and constructive, and highlight the unique contributions that museums can make as social institutions, embedded in their communities, and owned by no one.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Are Museums Irrelevant?

Museums are rarely acknowledged in the global discussion of climate change, environmental degradation, the inevitability of depleted fossil fuels, and the myriad local issues concerning the well-being of particular communities – suggesting the irrelevance of museums as social institutions. At the same time, there is a growing preoccupation among museums with the marketplace, and museums, unwittingly or not, are embracing the values of relentless consumption that underlie the planetary difficulties of today.

Museums in a Troubled World argues that much more can be expected of museums as publicly supported and knowledge-based institutions. The weight of tradition and a lack of imagination are significant factors in museum inertia and these obstacles are also addressed. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, combining anthropology ethnography, museum studies and management theory, this book goes beyond conventional museum thinking.

Robert R. Janes explores the meaning and role of museums as key intellectual and civic resources in a time of profound social and environmental change. This volume is a constructive examination of what is wrong with contemporary museums, written from an insider’s perspective that is grounded in both hope and pragmatism. The book’s conclusions are optimistic and constructive, and highlight the unique contributions that museums can make as social institutions, embedded in their communities, and owned by no one.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Public Urban Space, Gender and Segregation by Robert R. Janes
Cover of the book Japan's Quest for Stability in Southeast Asia by Robert R. Janes
Cover of the book Multi-generational Family Therapy by Robert R. Janes
Cover of the book Military Power by Robert R. Janes
Cover of the book Making the Connections by Robert R. Janes
Cover of the book Women and Authorship in Revolutionary America by Robert R. Janes
Cover of the book Urbanisation in the Developing World by Robert R. Janes
Cover of the book British Popular Films 1929-1939 by Robert R. Janes
Cover of the book Property Markets and the State in Adam Smith's System by Robert R. Janes
Cover of the book The Figure of Consciousness by Robert R. Janes
Cover of the book The History Highway by Robert R. Janes
Cover of the book Adult Education and Cultural Development by Robert R. Janes
Cover of the book Multilingual Law by Robert R. Janes
Cover of the book Let's Get Real by Robert R. Janes
Cover of the book Seeing Double by Robert R. Janes
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy