Author: Williams, Betty Lou

Publication Year:

Media Type: Periodical (article)

Summary:

Abstract:

This article chronicles the last three decades of, what the author considers, the most significant era for policy development as it affects museums. 

Detailed are the climates of particular decades, and policies and publications.  It concludes that by the end of the 20th century, museums have become more complex in their structure, organization, and services. While holding true to a mission of preservation and education, museums continue to struggle to balance the role of expert, keeper, and authority at one end of the spectrum, and public servant, communicator, community participant on the other. 

The author closes the article by asking if museum educators are trained to fulfill the educational requirements that are now considered to be the role of the museum, and calls for addressing and perhaps redeveloping the training standards.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Community Development