Foundations of Museum Studies: Evolving Systems of Knowledge

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Kiersten F. Latham (Sauder Village, Archbold, Ohio, USA) John E. Simmons (Museologica)

Foundations of Museum Studies

Evolving Systems of Knowledge

Kiersten F. Latham (Sauder Village, Archbold, Ohio, USA), John E. Simmons (Museologica)

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English

Bloomsbury Academic USA
11 December 2025

Museums & museology

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 scholars. You’ll get an overview of contemporary museums worldwide and think through the future of museums. Useful as an introductory text for any foundational museum studies course – whether in library and information science, museum studies, or a related area – this text’s unique perspective approaches museums as communicative knowledge systems that deal with people, objects, and ideas. The second edition includes new material on museum careers, legal issues, globalization, climate change, positive museology, and museums and sustainability.

This foundational text is adaptable to a broad range of courses and disciplines when paired with supplementary readings.

By: Kiersten F. Latham (Sauder Village Archbold Ohio USA), John E. Simmons (Museologica)
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic USA
Country of Publication: United States
Edition: 2nd edition
Dimensions: Height: 254mm, Width: 178mm,
ISBN: 9798216190172
Pages: 192
Publication Date: 11 December 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

List of Illustrations Preface to the Second Edition How to Use This Book Acknowledgements Section 1: Introduction 1 Defining Museums and Museum Studies 2 The Origins of Museums Section 2: How 3 The Museum System 4 Dimensions of Museums Section 3: What 5 Species of Museums: A Museological Bestiary 6 The Meaningful Physical Resource Section 4: Who 7 Museum Workers 8 Museum Users Section 5: Where 9 Contemporary Museums around the World 10 Museums and the Law Section 6: Why 11 The Future of Museums Index

Kiersten F. Latham, PhD, is the President and CEO of Sauder Village in Archbold, Ohio, USA. John E. Simmons is a writer and consultant for Museologica (an international museum consulting service).