Byron...to respond to the very valid points you have made: 1. The standards
and criteria for museum studies programs have been published in MUSEUM
NEWS (the first time in 1980), and I believe are available if you write
to the Technical Information Service of the AAM. BUT there have been no
official evaluations of existing programs. It is kind of an honor system
that the programs will abide by the criteria, standards, and curriculum.
Many DO, and some do not for a great variety of reasons including priorities
within their universities. The Smithsonian published lists of museum studies
programs (including mid-career and internships) every three years
beginning in 1976. The last two were done with the support of the ICOM
Training Committee (ICTOP), and the most recent list was 1988 called
MUSEUM STUDIES INTERNATIONAL (literally hundreds of programs, but no
attempt to evaluate them). A new revised listing will be published
by ICTOP and Routledge Press in July of this year.
 
The AAM has been unwilling to attempt an accreditation process for
museum studies. A "recognition" process was strongly suggested by a
special task force of AAM a few years ago, but not approved by the Council.
 
As for certification of individuals, this has been discussed and debated
among museum people in the U.S.  for years. Canada tried it and failed.
The U.K. has the closest.Part of the problem is the amalgam of
professions withinthe museum "profession."  Another is the great
diversity of types of positions in the field which is another major
difference as to librarians, lawyers, doctors, etc.  The conservators
have come the closest to having certification of individuals...check
with the AIC.
 
This recent discussionpoints up the reason I have written my book on
PLANNING MUSEUM CAREERS, which hopefully will be published by this
summer (Routledge Press).