New Directions for University Museums

New Directions for University Museums is a book that examines trends affecting university museums and provides potential directions for them in the 21st century. It emphasizes the importance of university museums becoming more outward-facing, engaging with the public and the world, and addressing key stakeholders. It also discusses the expectations of stakeholders, navigating political polarization, the relationship between the university's research and teaching mission, the university-donor relationship, and public communication of research. The book is intended for all those who work in, benefit from, or are interested in university museums.

Format: Hardback
Length: 375 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

New Directions for University Museums is a comprehensive guide designed to assist university museum leaders in strategically planning for the challenges and opportunities of the 2020s. By examining the trends impacting these institutions and responding to them, the book aims to provide a roadmap for university museums in the 21st century.

While university museums share commonalities with other museums in their subject areas, such as art, natural history, archaeology, and more, they possess unique characteristics that require special attention. In the modern era, university museums are facing new forces that are shaping their future.

Firstly, university museums continue to serve both the campus and the community, presenting exhibitions that are appealing to the local communities in which they are located. However, they are reevaluating their approach to service to town and gown in response to broader trends surrounding accessibility. It is no longer sufficient to merely attract visitors; these museums are becoming increasingly active and engaged in their outreach to the broader public.

Secondly, university museums have unparalleled access to academic expertise, but their research is no longer solely confined to scholarly journals. In the 2020s, research is being made more relevant to existential problems of the world. For instance, some university museums are bridging the gap between academic research and teaching, addressing the most pressing social issues of our time, such as climate change, racism, and the interface between humans and technology. University museum research is no longer confined to academic circles, and these institutions are exploring innovative ways to leverage the new knowledge yielded by collections-based research for the benefit of both the university and the public.

In conclusion, New Directions for University Museums is a valuable resource for university museum leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of the 2020s. By examining trends affecting these institutions and responding to them strategically, university museums can position themselves as dynamic and relevant contributors to their communities and beyond.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538157725