Greenwood The Museum: A Reference Guide

This critical bibliography of museum studies comprises an organized collection of essays on the various types of museums--art, natural history, history, science and technology, and folk--and on general aspects--collections, education, exhibitions, etc.--that cut across the media. Most of the essays are cogent, substantial if not comprehensive, and clear. The editor has taken care to see that they follow a similar format of historical essay followed by a full bibliography of items discussed. Library Journal As the number of museums in the United States has grown to more than 6500 in this century, the museum profession has experienced similar growth. In addition to academic training and accreditation programs in the field, an expanding body of literature on museum history, philosophy, and functions has evolved, little of which has received the critical attention it deserves. This reference volume serves as an up-to-date guide to this wealth of literature, identifying and evaluating works that introduce the general reader, the museum studies student, and the beginning professional to the history, philosophy, and functions of museums. The volume presents a series of informative, historical outlines and critical bibliographic essays on all aspects of museum history, philosophy, and functions. Contributors treat such subjects as art museums, natural history museums, science and technology museums, history museums, collections, exhibition, education and interpretation, and the public and museums. Each chapter consists of an introductory historical narrative, a survey of sources, and a bibliographic checklist that contains cited and additional sources. A set of appendices include a geographically organized bibliography of museum directories, a guide to archives and special collections, and a selective list of museum-related periodicals. The book concludes with a comprehensive general subject index. This work will be an important reference tool for museum professionals and cultural historians, as well as for courses in museum studies. It will also be a valuable addition to both academic and public libraries. Review ?Eleven authoritative essays cover various types of museums (art, natural history, folk, science, history) and aspects of museology (education, collections, biography, exhibitions, professionalism, and the public). Presented in a standard format of historic outline, survey of sources, and bibliography, the essays are interesting and well written, providing criticism of the literature extant on each topic. Three appendixes complete the volume. Museum Directories' is an annotated list arranged by scope of directory and indexed by country and subject. Archives and Special Collections' is too selective to be useful, but it gives the novice an idea of what such museum collections may hold. Museum-related Periodicals' lists only currently published journals, but as such is helpful. Bibliography is both the strong point and the weak point of this publication. Chapter bibliographies are current and full, but the appendixes do not always cite the most current editions and some valuable publications of the last five years are inexplicably omitted entirely. Nevertheless, as the only historiographic reference source available for museum bibliography this book fills a large gap in the literature and should be purchased by all libraries.?-Choice ?This critical bibliography of museum studies comprises an organized collection of essays on the various types of museums-art, natural history, history, science and technology, and folk-and on general aspects-collections, education, exhibitions, etc.-that cut across the media. Most of the essays are cogent, substantial if not comprehensive, and clear. The editor has taken care to see that they follow a similar format of historical essay followed by a full bibliography of items discussed. Students, for whom the book appears to be intended, will not find this handbook a