Artefacts, Archives, and Documentation in the Relational Museum

Artefacts, Archives, and Documentation in the Relational Museum explores the digital documentation of artefacts and archives in contemporary museums, highlighting the disconnection of distributed collections knowledge and the development of separate documentation systems. It emphasizes the importance of rethinking current practice to focus on the rich stories and interconnected resources of the contemporary 'relational museum'.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Artefacts, Archives, and Documentation in the Relational Museum is a groundbreaking interdisciplinary study that delves into the digital documentation of artefacts and archives in contemporary museums. It explores the profound implications of polyphonic, relational thinking on collections documentation, offering a comprehensive analysis of this evolving field.

Drawing from case studies across Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the book provides a critical examination of the history of collections management and documentation since the introduction of computers to museums in the 1960s. It demonstrates how technology has contributed to the disconnection of distributed collections knowledge, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach.

Furthermore, the book sheds light on the development of separate documentation systems, managed by distinct and increasingly professionalised staff, which has impacted our ability to understand and use the vast resources found in museums and their expanding online collections. By examining this legacy, the book encourages us to rethink current practices and shift our focus towards the rich stories and interconnected resources that define the contemporary, plural, and participatory 'relational museum.'

Artefacts, Archives, and Documentation in the Relational Museum is a must-read for those seeking to understand the institutional barriers prevalent in museums and the transformative changes required to make museum knowledge more accessible. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars and practitioners in the fields of museum studies, archival science, information management, and the history of cultural heritage technologies.

Weight: 436g
Dimension: 159 x 241 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367551056