Reinventing the Museum: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on the Paradigm Shift
Because its conceptual framework and essays so faithfully represent the reigning orthodoxy in American museums,Reinventing the Museumis the perfect survey text for introductory courses and undergraduate offerings in history, art history, anthropology, and museum studies. (Museum News)Let's cheer, then, the arrival of Gail Anderson'sReinventing the Museumwhich delves back almost a century to cull a series of erudite and enlightening articles. . . . I found so much to admire and enjoy in this book. . . . The museum can embrace differences, find commonalities, allow freedom, provide structure. At risk of sounding trite, I would say firmly. . . this book tells you how! (Museline)This is an enjoyable and informative selection of essays, and as an historical perspective on North American museology it has much to commend it. . .Reinventing the Museumis a very useful compendium of papers for anyone seeking an insight into the ways in which museums in North America have changed values, attitudes and practices. (Journal Of The Society Of Archivists)Reinventing the Museumis an excellent collection of 34 provocative articles divided into five areas of concern among museums. . . . I heartily recommend this volume to all museums, historical societies, and collegiate history programs because of the 'big picture' issues. (The Annals Of Iowa)Gail Anderson has assembled a valuable anthology by reminding us that not only John Cotton Dana, but also such important figures as Alma Wittlin and Theodore Low (among others) have contributed significantly in the past century to the discussion of the purposes of the museum. (Hein, George E.Visitor Studies Today)This book is an excellent starting point for institutions, and those interested in the future of those institutions, to address the problems posed by the high expectations fo the communities they serve. (Muse)