Dear Gary and others, DEFINITION OF "MUSEUM" I must admit I have not had time to read (far less consider or respond to!) all the proposals for a definition of museum. In spite of all that has been written about the un-representativity of ICOM-L, I think it is fantastic that so many have used so much intellectual energy on this question, and it must be disappointing to read Giovanni's message from the Executive telling us that none of them are better than the already excisting one! Now: Is there such thing as an ideal definition of "museum"? I think not. Neither from an empirical, intentional, political or whatever viewpoint. But let us not waste all the good thinking: We could well need a short (1-3 pages), authoritative essay discussing various good definitions of "museum". I think this would highlight the whys, whats and hows of a museum far better than one definition, and perhaps become as valuable a reference for the museum world as the one, authoritative one (which we also need!). There is plenty of raw-material for such an essay to be found on the ICOM-L and even more could be collected if we follow Giovanni's advice. DEFINITION OF MUSEUM AND ICOM MEMBERSHIP Gary writes: "It is the sub. para. (b) that, in my opinion, is a cause for concern. It states, ³in addition to institutions designated as "museums" the following qualify as museums for the purposes of this definition.² That statement is followed by a list of organizations, institutions, agencies, et cetera, that ³qualify as museums.² If that list is taken literally, then many governments would seem to qualify as a museums because of their responsibility for ³national² museums." I think one must distinguish between a museum and an institution that may become a member of ICOM. Correspodingly one must distinguish between a person employed in a museum and a person whose profession is such that he/she may become an ICOM member. For many reasons institutions and professionals that are related to or have something to do with museums can and should be allowed to become members of ICOM. But we need not - and indeed should not - try to include these in an all-encompassing definition of a museum or of a museum professional or of a person who has a position that has to do with museums. Per -----Opprinnelig melding----- Fra: Gary Edson [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sendt: 5. januar 2004 23:16 Til: [log in to unmask] Emne: Museum, a discussion item Dear Patrick Boylan, Per Rekdal, and Günther Dembski and ICOM Colleagues: As the person who started the ICOM-L discussion about a definition of ³museum,² please allow me to restate the reason for the discussion, why we are having the discussion, and where it should take us. In doing this review, I am responding to the questions asked by Patrick Boylan, Per Rekdal, and Günther Dembski. First, the Executive Council asked me, Gary Edson, to initiate a discussion of ³museum² as a part of the process of revising the Statutes. As most of you will recall, one of the issues arising from the Reform Task Force was the revising of the Statutes, and both the definition of a museum, and the related description of persons eligible for ICOM membership are a part of that process. The Statutes revision work being done by Ben Koevoets and that task force does not include these definitions. Also, the Code of Ethics is being revised which needs either revised definitions for a museum and museum professional, or a reaffirmation of the existing definitions. The revision of the Code of Ethics has been on the agenda for five years and was an issue of discussion at the triennial conference in Barcelona. The Executive Council views assessment of the definition of museums as part of that process. Because we are the International Council of Museums, and the definition of the museum profession and membership in ICOM is directly linked to the ³museum,² it is a reasonable place to start a discussion. Obviously, the ICOM-L is not the only forum for discussion of this important subject. And equally obvious, it is the General Assembly that decides on a definition. The Advisory Council is a venue for discussion, but it is the General Assembly that decides changes in the Statutes. As Patrick correctly notes, the current definition has been discussed at great length and bits have been added as needed. As it appears in the Statutes, Article 2, para. 1, is a reference for Article 2, para. 2, professional museum worker. The following is the definition section of the Statutes as adopted by the General Assembly in Barcelona on Friday 6 July 2001. Article 2 - Definitions 1. A museum is a non-profit making, permanent institution in the service of society and of its development, and open to the public, which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits, for purposes of study, education and enjoyment, material evidence of people and their environment. (a) The above definition of a museum shall be applied without any limitation arising from the nature of the governing body, the territorial character, the functional structure or the orientation of the collections of the institution concerned. (b) In addition to institutions designated as "museums" the following qualify as museums for the purposes of this definition: (i) natural, archaeological and ethnographic monuments and sites and historical monuments and sites of a museum nature that acquire, conserve and communicate material evidence of people and their environment; (ii) institutions holding collections of and displaying live specimens of plants and animals, such as botanical and zoological gardens, aquaria and vivaria; (iii) science centres and planetaria; (iv) non profit art exhibition galleries; conservation institutes and exhibition galleries permanently maintained by libraries and archives centres. (v) nature reserves; (vi) international or national or regional or local museum organizations, ministries or departments or public agencies responsible for museums as per the definition given under this article; (vii) non-profit institutions or organizations undertaking conservation, research, education, training, documentation and other activities relating to museums and museology; (viii) cultural centres and other entities that facilitate the preservation, continuation and management of tangible or intangible heritage resources (living heritage and digital creative activity) (ix) such other institutions as the Executive Council, after seeking the advice of the Advisory Committee, considers as having some or all of the characteristics of a museum, or as supporting museums and professional museum personnel through museological research, education or training. 2. Professional museum workers include all the personnel of museums or institutions qualifying as museums in accordance with the definition in Article 2, para. 1, having received specialized training, or possessing an equivalent practical experience, in any field relevant to the management and operations of a museum, and independent persons respecting the ICOM Code of Professional Ethics and working for museums as defined above, either in a professional or advisory capacity, but not promoting or dealing with any commercial products and equipment required for museums and services. It is the sub. para. (b) that, in my opinion, is a cause for concern. It states, ³in addition to institutions designated as "museums" the following qualify as museums for the purposes of this definition.² That statement is followed by a list of organizations, institutions, agencies, et cetera, that ³qualify as museums.² If that list is taken literally, then many governments would seem to qualify as a museums because of their responsibility for ³national² museums. Similarly, it is unlikely that universities or colleges are museums although they may have excellent museums, galleries, and museum training programs that are funded, to a greater or lesser degree, by appropriated funds. There are two ways to address the issue of defining a museum. One way is to have an increasing list of institutions identified by type and/or collection. The second way is to have an inclusive definition that accommodates a broad range of institutions. In either case, the definition of a museum professional and a person eligible for membership in ICOM perhaps should be a separate issue. As Patrick correctly noted there is need for a definition of the ³museum profession and museum professional.² Most of the comments on ICOM-L thus far have proposed a shorter more inclusive definition. I circulated many of the proposals, but have not attempted to add or alter every word that has been suggested. However, I will make a greater effort in the future to compile ideas. Regarding the languages, certainly there is a need for more input from persons other than those speaking English. I have asked for discussion assistance from native speakers of French and Spanish. They will become active in this process in the near future. As most of you know, it is difficult to translate and respond by e-mail unless you have an excellent command of languages. I understand the problem for our non-English language colleagues, as I hope they understand my difficulty. One final note: There will be other opportunities for discussion of this issue. The ICOM-L approach is but one means of stimulating interest in this subject. This is a long message for which I apologize. Thank you for your interest in ICOM. I hope you have a fantastic new year and a peaceful 2004. Gary Edson - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Change ICOM-L subscription options, unsubscribe, and search the archives at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/icom-l.html ########################################### This message has been scanned by F-Secure Anti-Virus for Microsoft Exchange. For more information, connect to http://www.F-Secure.com/ ########################################### This message has been scanned by F-Secure Anti-Virus for Microsoft Exchange. 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