For a sense of the wider ethos of museums, collecting, and the function
of institutions that preserve the material past, take a look at:

American Association of Museums.  _Museums for a New Century_.  Report of
the Commission on Museums for a New Century.  Washington, D.C.: American
Association of Museums, 1984.

In particular, see ch. 2, "Stewards of a Common Wealth."  You might also
take a look at:

Noble, Joseph Veach.  "Museum Manifesto."  _Museum News_ 48:8 (April
1970):16-20.  He explains his view of museums' functions of acquisition,
conservation, study, interpretation and display of objects.

Finally, the following may help:

Weil, Stephan E.  _Rethinking the Museum and Other Meditations_.
Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution, 1990.

Leon, Warren and Roy Rosenzweig (eds.).  _History Museums in the United
States: A Critical Assessment.  Chicago: University of Illinois, 1989.

The above are full of views relative to your question; I hope you find
them useful.

Regards,
Doug



........................
Doug Lantry
University of Delaware
[log in to unmask]

On Tue, 6 Feb 1996, Karen Senger wrote:

> Hello!  I am seeking help with research I am doing concerning the
> "mission" of museums.  I understand each museum has it's own
> distinctive reason for being, goals and purposes; but is there an
> over-riding purpose for the museum (re. zoo, art museum, natural
> history centre, etc)?  To preserve and educate is a necessary and
> vital function, I agree; but for this research I must play the
> "devil's advocate" and agrue the necessity of the museum for both
> mankind as well as individuals of all socio-economic backgrounds.
> All help and (constructive) opinions are appreciated.  Thank you.
>