Museum Basics: The International Handbook - Paperback

by Timothy Ambrose (Author), Crispin Paine (Author)

Museum Basics provides an accessible and comprehensive introduction to professional practice in museums, galleries and related heritage organisations.

This new edition includes a number of international case studies from a diverse group of guest authors who work in a variety of museums around the world. Ambrose, Paine and their contributing authors respond to recent developments in the museum field and incorporate content on new technology, as well as political and social issues, such as decolonisation, climate change and social justice. The book also covers different approaches to museology and current methods in core areas, such as collections, exhibitions, policy, education and management. Using the same modular structure as previous editions, the book includes 130 units. A number of new units have been added, including material about museums and conflict, museums and communities, loans, maintaining displays and exhibitions and sensitive objects and human remains. This edition is supported by refreshed diagrams, an updated glossary and its own Instructor and Student Resources, which provide a wide range of additional material for readers.

Museum Basics will be essential reading for students engaged in the study of museums, heritage, public history, culture, archaeology, anthropology and tourism, who are learning to critically examine the ideas and ideals around museum culture. Staff and volunteers working in museums, galleries and other heritage and cultural institutions will be able to use the book to identify best practices for their daily work.

Author Biography

Timothy Ambrose is an international consultant working in the field of museums and cultural heritage. He is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London and a Fellow of the UK Museums Association. He has a particular interest in the role of museums in place-making and destination development and has published widely on museums and cultural heritage.

Crispin Paine is a former curator and museum consultant, now an author and museum volunteer. He is a Visiting Lecturer at the Open University, a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London and a Fellow of the UK Museums Association. He has particular interests in local community museums and the material culture of religion.