In the profession of museum work, is there a clear statement of the "theory" of museums? I've read many books lately, some mention "theory," but really never reach a discussion, let alone a conclusion. Collecting, Exhibiting, Preserving -- are applications or functions of musuem work. Collecting, education, Exhibiting have their own "theories." I am doing a paper asking "why musuems" --- "what is museum theory" and the differences between small, rural musuems and larger, urban museums. It is the second issue that I am having difficulty in finding a solution. Can anyone offer assistance, please? Maybe it is this or a combination of: A museum is unique in and of itself. All museum present an exhibit to draw in the public, but each view the public differently. Children museum want their public to touch, why an art or major museum would not want the public to "touch" objects on display. A public is different than a private or nonprofit museum. A small, rural museum is operated different that a major, urban museum. Each musuem also collect different things, but a majority would preserve, educate and display artifacts using the same principles. Somethings remain common, while others do not. Funding is different, politics, size of staff, "professionalism", etc. But, what is theory -- or is this it? History, Science, Technology, Living History, Art, Media Museums, etc., all are different in what they collect, but not in the reason of why they collect. It is easy to determine "why musuems" -- to preserve history, to remember the past, to preserve community, for research/study, education, enjoyment, etc. And are museums important? Yes, to some but to others they are not. Stephen Weil and Ellis Burcaw are noted for their introduction to the subject, but I have not found clear discussion of the subject. Appreciate your response. Thanks.