Museums in a Troubled World: Renewal, Irrelevance or Collapse? (Museum Meanings)
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.16 (528 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 0415463017 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 224 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2015-06-08 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
"Museums in a Troubled World - from The Informal Learning Review" according to Robert M. West. Book ReviewMuseums in a Troubled WorldRobert Mac WestBob Janes, through his writings and public presentations, offers an interesting, useful, and often challenging perspective on the current and future role of museums. Museums in a Troubled World explores the very important relationship between the museum world and the larger world of the natural and social environment of our planet. Janes' view is that museums have figured out how to do some things very well (e.g, exhibitions and collections) and are trying desperately to integrate these functions into . "Great arguments, read in small sessions" according to Aleforge. I had to purchase this for graduate school. It brings up some interesting points, but can be a bit boring at times as it can dredge on about some issues.
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. 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.. The weight of tradition and a lack of imagination are significant factors in museum inertia and these obstacles are also addressed. 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. 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. Museums in a Troubled World argues that much more can be expected of museums as publicly supported and knowledge-based institutions. This volume is a constructive examination of what is wrong with contemporary museums, written from an ins
'Ultimately, in sounding this warning so loudly and clearly, Museums in a Troubled World is a courageous book. Bradburne, Director General, Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi, Florence, Italy"I can’t remember when a book has so engaged, enraged and encouraged me. These are the issues that museum people and many others should debate vigorously if a sustainable futurefor museums as meaningful contributors to society is to be found.' – Stuart Davies, Curator: The Museum Journal. Jane’s book provides a challenging guide for all of us who continually agitate and seek to understand the consequences of our actions, renewing and refreshing a museum’s position in its community." --Museu
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