I am currently undertaking some research on the role of the museum catalogue. I would be
really interested to hear people's opinions on what they feel the role of the catalogue is: by
catalogue I refer to a publication that accompanies a temporary exhibtion or is presented as
guide to the museum's history and collection.

As the life of the catalogue more often than not outlives the physical display of the show, is
the catalogue used as a vehicle for either overtly, or covertly presenting the agenda of the
institution... it is these hidden stories - or the absence of them that I am interested in; also
the catalogue as a historical document of a museum's history/agenda/politics/ideology etc
and a purveyor of knowledge, beyond that of it's declared subject?

Any thoughts gratefully received.

Also, does anyone know of any existing research on this subject?

Thanks and best wishes   annabelle

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