Following are biographical
sources which facilitate searching for important people in art today, people
that have helped shape museums and their role in society, and historical sources
which offer a developmental perspective on museums of all sorts. Alexander, Edward P. The
Museum in America: Innovators and Pioneers. Walnut Creek: AltaMira Press,
1997. Davis AM11.A55 1997 This biographical source looks at
the development of various types of museums, from a historical perspective.
Each chapter is devoted to one person who was a pioneer in the
development of the first zoo, garden or art museum.
The final chapter is entitled “The American museum progresses”, and
it offers reflection about the role of the museum and where it is headed. Different Voices: A Social,
Cultural, Historical Framework for Change in the American Art Museum. New
York: Association of Art Museum Directors, 1992. Sloane N510.D54 1992 ~ 2nd
floor Like the title states, this
source deals with museums from a social, cultural and historical perspective.
The contents are derived from proceedings of a two-part symposium presented by
the Association of Art Museum Directors June 7-8, 1990, in Chicago and January
31-February 1, 1991, in Honolulu. Relevant
issues discussed are acquisition policies, exhibition choice and design, and the
relationship to a targeted audience. Pages
30-58 is devoted to change in the American art museum from an art historian’s
voice. Vergo, Peter. The New
Museology. London: Reaktion Books, 1989. Sloane AM7.N48 1989 ~ 2nd
floor Museology is defined as the study
of museums, their history, underlying philosophy and development over the years.
This source provides a historical perspective on museum evolution and
changing issues. Relevant content
discussed is: museums, artifacts, meanings, and objects of knowledge from a
historical perspective, quality of visitor experiences in an art museum, and
museum visiting as a cultural phenomenon. A
fresh view is provided for those interested in museology in relation to current
museum trends and ideas. Who’s Who in American Art [serial]. New York: R.R. Bowker, 1999. Davis Ref N6536.W5 ~ 1st
floor Reference (1995-6 ed.) Sloane
Ref N6536.W5 ~ 1st
floor Ready Reference (1999-2000 ed.) This biographical source is
published biennially. Included is a
comprehensive, alphabetical listing of 11,600 living contributors to the visual
arts in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Contributors are defined as artists, administrators, consultants,
critics, curators, dealers, historians, educators, lecturers, collectors,
librarians and publishers. The
entries are listed alphabetically and are accompanied by concise biographical
information about their work, accomplishments and contact information.
This would be a valuable resource to those seeking professional
counterparts nationally as personal reference tools, in addition to general
research needs.
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