A holistic introduction to museum theory and practice, this second edition is designed to be the core introductory text for any foundational museum studies course being taught in any discipline.

You’ll examine the evolution, divergence, definition, and legal organization of museums in the context of collections of objects and how museums perform the basic functions of preservation, communication, and research. Through the lens of museological theory and a systems approach, you’ll learn how museum objects are managed by professionals and used by the public and...