Reviews

This companion volume to Exhibiting Culture (Smithsonian Pr., 1991) contains a series of essays that illustrate both the struggles and the collaborations between museums and the communities they aim to serve. Despite the essay format, common themes emerge. As America makes the transition from an industrial age to an information age, museums must review and revamp philosophy, mission, practices, and services; attempt to reconcile frequently incompatible aims; and alter programming to accommodate more diverse constituencies. In this context, forming a strong communicative circle linking exhibits and viewers is seen as vital to restoring wholeness to our pluralistic cultural arena. The range of voices heard to great effect in the preceding book continue to speak out here. Strongly recommended.-- Vicki Gadberry, Harris Media Ctr., Mars Hill Coll., N.C.

"This companion volume to "Exhibiting Cultures" contains a series of essays that illustrate both the struggles and the collaborations between museums and the communities they aim to serve. . . . The range of voices heard to great effect in the preceding book continue to speak out here. Strongly recommended."--"Library Journal"

"[The editors] present a rich variety of thought-provoking ideas about the condition and possibilities of museums. The book challenges museum specialists to reassess their practices to ensure the relevance of museums in a changing world and offers valuable case studies of the kinds of problems and successes involved in making such changes."--"Journal of American History"

"With a variety of case studies and perspectives in the spirit of interdisciplinary study, "Museums and Communities" is a provocative and fascinating collection, at once profound and concrete."--"American Book Review"