Reflecting critically on the current condition of museums and their possible futures, Stephen E. Weil argues that cultural institutions need to free themselves from a fascination with technique and process to concentrate more intently on purpose. He contends that to succeed, or merely survive, a museum must be able to project clear goals that its supporting community finds of value and must demonstrate its competence to achieve those goals on a sustainable basis.

Despite recessions and rapid social change, museums remain highly successful cultural institutions. Management in the 21st century will have to respond to many challenges, including higher visitor expectations, whilst maintaining core objectives. A number of case studies from museums and galleries around the world give an insight into the planning, development and realization of a range of initiatives in diverse environments, highlighting the need for collaboration, commitment and strategic planning. This manual provides advice and guidance for anyone involved in the creation, development and management of museums.

Table of Contents:
What is a museum -- Museum governance -- Museum directing -- Curating = connoisseurship = collecting -- Managing in museums -- Audience: a matter of definition -- Fundraising -- Collection management -- Museum education -- Numbers -- Conservation: the preservation imperative -- Exhibitions: show and tell -- Maintenance and security -- Museums and the media -- Architecture -- Volunteers -- Behavior -- Museum ethics -- What's next for museums.

"What does the transformation to a visitor-centered approach do for a museum? How are museums made relevant to a broad range of visitors of varying ages, identities, and social classes? Does appealing to a larger audience force museums to "dumb down" their work? What internal changes are required? Based on a multi-year Kress Foundation-sponsored study of 20 innovative American and European collections-based museums recognized by their peers to be visitor-centered, Peter Samis and Mimi Michaelson answer these key questions for the field. The book describes key institutions that have opened the doors to a wider range of visitors; addresses the internal struggles to reorganize and democratize these institutions; uses case studies, interviews of key personnel, Key Takeaways, and additional resources to help museum professionals implement a visitor-centered approach in collections-based institutions."--Provided by publisher