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Introduction to Museum Work
Long regarded as one the leading texts in museology, Introduction to Museum Work in now thoroughly revised and updated. While citing recent changes in the museum world, the third edition of Burcaw's classic work retains its useful philosophical orientation and convenient summary format. All the basics of museology are here--the central issues are discussed and definitions are given for all the terms museum workers need to know. Every chapter includes practical exercises making Burcaw's book ideal for the classroom or for novice museum workers. Accepted by the Documentation Center of the International Conference of Museums as exemplary of museum training, Introduction to Museum Work is used as a basic text in museum studies all over the world.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1975
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 8, 2007
He is rather a tiresome man with ridiculous notions about art. Some of the museological practices he intones are useful, but most are colored by his misguided snobbery.
April 15, 2022
I had to read this book for a class, which is why I gave it three stars (otherwise it was more like a 2). It has some interesting background (starter info) about museum studies and the workings of museums. If you look at just the basic info he is giving, he makes many fine points. However, the book it clearly dated and many of the points he makes are irrelevant in 2022. Also, In some topics, he shows his opinion in a way that felt out of touch.
June 8, 2022
Summary: Long regarded as one of the leading texts on museology, Introduction to Museum Work is now thoroughly revised and updated. While citing recent changes in the museum world, the third edition of Burcaw's classic work retains its useful philosophical orientation and convenient summary format. All the basics of museology are here - the central issues are discussed and definitions are given for all the terms museum workers need to know. Every chapter includes practical exercises making Burcaw's book ideal for the classroom or for novice museum workers. Accepted by the Documentation Center of the International Conference of Museums as exemplary of museum training, Introduction to Museum Work is used as a basic text in museum studies all over the world.
July 11, 2022
This book was disappointing to say the least. The author manages to put his personal opinions everywhere that they don’t belong (especially his opinions about art) and the rest of the actual informative sections are either not obsolete or basic definitions. I finished the text as a way to expand my understanding of the history of museology and I have to say that I’m glad I am joining the field now and not in the 70s.
April 30, 2009
very useful for those who are interested in museum work. it provides a very precise breakdown of what a museum is composed of, in terms of management, operation, and areas of specialization. some examples the book offers might seem slightly outdated; however, the wisdom that the book draws from the examples are tried and true, and still very relevant to this day (e.g. the importance of technology in museum education).
September 9, 2008
This is the most practical book ever, and it makes me really excited about grad school... even better, it's narrated by a complete snob!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews