Museums in Motion: An Introduction to the History and Functions of Museums

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Rowman Altamira, 2008 - Art - 352 pages
In 1979, Edward P. Alexander's Museums in Motion was hailed as a much-needed addition to the museum literature. In combining the history of museums since the eighteenth century with a detailed examination of the function of museums and museum workers in modern society, it served as an essential resource for those seeking to enter to the museum profession and for established professionals looking for an expanded understanding of their own discipline. Now, Mary Alexander has produced a newly revised edition of the classic text, bringing it the twenty-first century with coverage of emerging trends, resources, and challenges. New material also includes a discussion of the children's museum as a distinct type of institution and an exploration of the role computers play in both outreach and traditional in-person visits.
 

Contents

What Is a Museum?
1
The Art Museum
23
Natural History and Anthropology Museums
53
Science and Technology Museums and Centers
85
The History Museum
113
Botanical Gardens and Zoos
139
Childrens Museums
167
To Collect
187
To Exhibit
235
To Interpret
257
To Serve
281
The Museum Profession
305
Readings
323
Index
333
About the Authors
351
Copyright

To Conserve
217

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