The Museums and Collections of Higher Education provides an analysis of the historic connections between materiality and higher education, developed through diverse examples of global practice.
Outlining the different value propositions that museums and collections bring to higher education, the historic link between objects, evidence and academic knowledge is examined with reference to the origin point of both types of organisation. Museums and collections bring institutional reflection, cross-disciplinary bridges, digital extension options and participatory potential. Given the two primary sources of text and object, a singular source type predisposes a knowledge system to epistemic stasis, whereas mixed sources develop the potential for epistemic disruption and possible change. Museums and collections, therefore, are essential in the academies of higher learning. With the many challenges confronting humanity, it is argued that connecting intellect with social action for societal change through university museums should be a contemporary manifestation of the social contract of universities.
Much has been written about museums and universities, but there is little about university museums and collections. This book will interest museum scholars and practitioners especially those unaware that university museums are at the forefront of museological creativity. It will also be of interest to academics and the growing number of leaders and managers in the modern university.
Author(s): Andrew Simpson
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 179
City: London
Cover
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Contents
Preface
Reference
Acknowledgements
1. An introduction to the museums and collections of higher education
Notes
2. Developing institutional narratives
Notes
3. Crossing discipline boundaries
Notes
4. Getting more from objects and collections
Notes
5. Involving people and communities
Notes
6. Lessons from university museums and collections
Notes
References
Index