Change Is Required: Preparing for the Post-Pandemic Museum

The book Change Is Required: Preparing for the Post-Pandemic Museum explores the future of American museums, which were significantly impacted by the pandemic. It highlights the need for change and offers strategies for adapting to new circumstances and uncertainty. The book features contributions from 50 museum professionals from various disciplines and positions, who share their insights on assessing needs and possibilities, managing people and resources, and building productive relationships with neighbors and partner organizations. It emphasizes the importance of reconsidering traditional museum practice to achieve greater relevance, impact, equity, and inclusiveness. The essays offer visionary yet practical routes to future museum success in a volatile, complex, and ambiguous world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

The book "Preparing for the Post-Pandemic Museum: Charting New Directions for American Museums" explores the future of American museums in the wake of the pandemic. Museums, like other cultural institutions, faced significant challenges during the pandemic, and they had to adapt to new circumstances and uncertainty. This book highlights the innovative approaches taken by American museums to navigate these challenges and chart new directions for themselves and their communities. One of the key themes of the book is the shift towards digital programming. Many museums have embraced digital technologies to reach wider audiences and provide access to their collections and exhibitions. This has led to the development of online exhibitions, virtual tours, and educational programs, which have been particularly popular during the pandemic. Another important aspect of the book is the emphasis on community engagement. Museums have recognized the importance of building strong relationships with their neighbors and local communities, and they have developed new programs and initiatives to engage with these groups. This includes community-based exhibitions, workshops, and events that address local issues and promote cultural diversity. The book also highlights the importance of equity and justice in museum practices. Museums have begun to address issues of racism, inequality, and social justice, and they have implemented policies and programs to promote inclusivity and diversity. This includes the hiring of diverse staff, the development of culturally sensitive exhibitions, and the provision of access to museums for individuals with disabilities. The book is written by a diverse group of 50 museum professionals, representing different disciplines, positions, and experiences. These authors share their insights and experiences in assessing needs and possibilities, managing people and resources, and building productive new relationships with neighbors, communities, and partner organizations. They argue that change is necessary inside and beyond the museum. To achieve greater relevance, impact, equity, and inclusiveness, museums need to reconsider their leadership models, organizational culture, internal structures, and community collaborations. The book provides a wealth of practical advice and examples of successful museum practices, and it is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the future of museums. In conclusion, "Preparing for the Post-Pandemic Museum: Charting New Directions for American Museums" is a timely and important book that explores the future of American museums in the wake of the pandemic. It highlights the innovative approaches taken by museums to adapt to new circumstances and uncertainty, and it provides practical advice and examples of successful museum practices. By reconsidering their leadership models, organizational culture, internal structures, and community collaborations, museums can achieve greater relevance, impact, equity, and inclusiveness, and play a vital role in shaping the cultural landscape of the United States.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 220 x 154 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538161661