About the journal:  Museums & Social Issues welcomes the submission of original articles on the interaction between social issues and the way that museums respond to, influence, or become engaged with them. Topics should address questions and issues that are pervasive, long standing, critical, and not easily solved. Submissions may include a history of the issue, critical questions, philosophical reflections, theoretical positions, examples of exhibits, programs or initiatives that have addressed issue, and a review or bibliography of pertinent books, websites, exhibits and other resources. All manuscripts are subject to anonymous peer review by knowledgeable scholars and professional practitioners, and if accepted may be subject to revision.

Articles should not normally exceed 10,000 words in length. In preparing the electronic version, there is no need to format articles. Use a single (not double) space after the full point at the end of sentences. Please use plain style and avoid elaborate layout or typography, but include italics or bold type when necessary, and make sure that headings and subheadings are clearly visible as such. Words should not be hyphenated at the end of a line. Consistency in spacing, punctuation, and spelling will be of help. References and captions should be placed at the end of the file. Submission should include a cover letter, an original manuscript, and copies of any illustrations. Articles must also be accompanied by a short abstract (c. 100-150 words) summarizing the contents of their paper. Articles should also be accompanied by up to 6 key words to aid searchability of the article online. Any acknowledgements should be placed at the end of the article, before any Notes. Please use the Chicago Manual of Style Author Date for formatting citations.

Exhibition reviews explore the ways in which institutions approach social matters through exhibition topics and exhibition strategies.  The journal publishes 1,000- to 1,500-word reviews of recent exhibitions mounted around the world.  Potential authors may examine exhibitions that have social issues as a stated emphasis, or they may evaluate exhibitions dedicated to other topics by using a critical lens focused on the social issues that the exhibition implicitly raises. Exhibition reviews should include the title of the reviewed exhibition, its host institution, and exhibition dates.  (When applicable include this information as well for known sites to which the exhibition has traveled or will travel.). 

Book reviews reflect on or inform how museums and other cultural institutions are addressing, or might address, social issues. Submissions should be from 1,000 to 1,500 words in length. Personal reflections are welcome, but the reviewed material’s usefulness to professionals in the museum field is imperative. MSI will reject submissions from authors, publishers, and others who stand to gain from favorable reviews. Book reviews should include publication title, author, publisher, ISBN number, number of pages.  All reviews should include the author’s name, affiliation, and contact information.

If you have any questions about the call for proposals, please contact Elee Wood, editor, at [log in to unmask]