The Museum Effect

How Museums, Libraries, and Cultural Institutions Educate and Civilize Society

Business & Finance, Industries & Professions
Cover of the book The Museum Effect by Jeffrey K. Smith, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jeffrey K. Smith ISBN: 9780759122963
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Publication: May 29, 2014
Imprint: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Language: English
Author: Jeffrey K. Smith
ISBN: 9780759122963
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Publication: May 29, 2014
Imprint: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Language: English

Museums, libraries, and cultural institutions provide opportunities for people to understand and celebrate who they are, were, and might be. These institutions educate the public and civilize society in a variety of ways, ranging from community events to a single child making a first visit. The Museum Effect documents this phenomenon, explains how it happens, and shows how institutions can facilitate this process.

Cultural institutions vary dramatically in size, nature and purpose, but they all allow visitors to hold conversations with artists and authors perhaps long dead. These conversations, sometimes with others present, and sometimes with artists, scientists, explorers, or authors not present, allow visitors to explore their lives and their “possible selves.” Cultural institutions inspire personal reflection, and help visitors better themselves, in that they leave having contemplated what is noble, excellent, or exemplary about the society in which they live.

The “museum effect” is a process through which cultural institutions educate and civilize us as individuals and as societies. These institutions allow visitors to spend some time with their thoughts elevated, and leave the institution better people in some meaningful fashion than when they entered. This visionary book presents the underlying idea and the argument for the museum effect, along with empirical research supporting that argument. It will help those working in museums, libraries, and archivists to facilitate this process, and study how this is working in their own institutions.

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

Museums, libraries, and cultural institutions provide opportunities for people to understand and celebrate who they are, were, and might be. These institutions educate the public and civilize society in a variety of ways, ranging from community events to a single child making a first visit. The Museum Effect documents this phenomenon, explains how it happens, and shows how institutions can facilitate this process.

Cultural institutions vary dramatically in size, nature and purpose, but they all allow visitors to hold conversations with artists and authors perhaps long dead. These conversations, sometimes with others present, and sometimes with artists, scientists, explorers, or authors not present, allow visitors to explore their lives and their “possible selves.” Cultural institutions inspire personal reflection, and help visitors better themselves, in that they leave having contemplated what is noble, excellent, or exemplary about the society in which they live.

The “museum effect” is a process through which cultural institutions educate and civilize us as individuals and as societies. These institutions allow visitors to spend some time with their thoughts elevated, and leave the institution better people in some meaningful fashion than when they entered. This visionary book presents the underlying idea and the argument for the museum effect, along with empirical research supporting that argument. It will help those working in museums, libraries, and archivists to facilitate this process, and study how this is working in their own institutions.

More books from Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Cover of the book Digital Curation Projects Made Easy by Jeffrey K. Smith
Cover of the book The Tet Offensive by Jeffrey K. Smith
Cover of the book Terrorist Organizations and Weapons of Mass Destruction by Jeffrey K. Smith
Cover of the book Inside Out and Outside In by Jeffrey K. Smith
Cover of the book The Other African Americans by Jeffrey K. Smith
Cover of the book Improving Reading Comprehension through Metacognitive Reading Strategies Instruction by Jeffrey K. Smith
Cover of the book Conflict Management in Congregations by Jeffrey K. Smith
Cover of the book School Law for Public, Private, and Parochial Educators by Jeffrey K. Smith
Cover of the book Elgin Baylor by Jeffrey K. Smith
Cover of the book Born on the Links by Jeffrey K. Smith
Cover of the book Making Sense of Medicine by Jeffrey K. Smith
Cover of the book Developing Motor and Social Skills by Jeffrey K. Smith
Cover of the book The 50 Greatest Players in Pittsburgh Pirates History by Jeffrey K. Smith
Cover of the book Praying for a Cure by Jeffrey K. Smith
Cover of the book Race, Social Reform, and the Making of a Middle Class by Jeffrey K. Smith
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