Concerning the definition of museums as suggested by Gary Edson I believe it
is not wise to overemphasize education. It is important but not the only
thing. The definition as stated below reduces a museum to a school. (even
the schools have objects, pieces of chalk for instance). It is coceptualy
misleading and might cause existential problems to many museums that are
generally considered as cultural institutions (taking care of heritage) and
mainly financed by cultural ministries. Who knows what might happen if some
"bright" politician sees this definition and decides to reorganize the
museums.

Another problem I see is how to include organizations without collections
(primarily this includes Science Centers)into the definition of a museum.
This proves that a term Museum still has its value.
I believe Science Centers are no problem, they are dealing with intangible
heritage (can someone find a better definition of scientific knowledge?).
Frankly speaking many of the concepts explained in Science Centers are
rather ancient and definitely much older than the most of the objects
displayed in science and technology museums.
I'm also completly convinced that a nonprofit priciple of organization has
to be stated.

Dr. Orest Jarh
director,
Technical Museum of Slovenia

>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Gary Edson" <[log in to unmask]>
>To: <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Tuesday, October 07, 2003 3:50 PM
>Subject: Definition of a Museum
>
>
> > Colleagues:
> >
> > The following is one of the definition that has been suggested. What are
> > your thoughts  about this idea. Does it adequately describe a "museum,"
or
> > is it too broad, too limiting, too inclusive, or too exclusive?
> >
> >
> > A MUSEUM IS AN EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATION THAT SERVES THE PUBLIC BY
> > INTERPRETING SCIENTIFIC, CULTURAL AND/OR NATURAL HERITAGE THROUGH
> > THE USE OF A PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT AND OFTEN OBJECTS. MUSEUMS THAT
> > HOLD COLLECTIONS CARE FOR THEM AS A PUBLIC TRUST AND PRESERVE THEM
> > FOR THE FUTURE.
> >
> > Gary Edson
> >
> > - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Change ICOM-L subscription options, unsubscribe, and search the
archives at:  http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/icom-l.html