John, Christian, Peter, Doug, and others

Yes, science (in its widest sense) and theory are different concepts, but
when I stated that museum theory should be equated with museology, I was
referring to something else. As theology is not the study of churches,
pedagogics not the study of schools, and medical science not the study of
hospitals, museology is not (or should not be) the study of museums.

Whether museology is a genuine science (in its widest sense again, as in
German "Wissenschaft") or not is very much discussed in the early 1980s
(see, for example ICOFOM's Museological Working Papers). Actually, I am not
very interested in this discussion as such. Very much depends on the
definition of science. What does interest me is the dicussion about paradigms.

Yes, I agree that an important task of (theoretical) museology is to clarify
concepts (yes, in a dynamic perspective). To clarify this point a few
examples from my own country (the Netherlands).

The Netherlands Institute for Cultural Heritage is preparing a policy
document on de-accessioning. For this they needed clear concepts and well
defined terms. I analysed many (Dutch) publications on collections
management and found about 350 different specialised terms (terms related to
documentation and restoration not included!). The embarrassment of riches.
Most terms were used very inconsistent and without clear definitions. This
was also shown in the analysis of a series of collection plans of major
Dutch museums. It is clear that museum practice can profit from museology in
this respect.

Recently, the Netherlands Museums Association introduced a museum
accreditation system. Again there is a need of clear concepts and good
definitions.

Some time ago the Committee for Education of the Netherlands Museums
Association wanted to do some comparative analysis of new exhibitions, but
did not know how to do this. We do not have a methodology, we do not even
have clear concepts and terms.

Finally, the Netherlands Institute for Cultural Heritage (and others)
discussed theory, practice and ethics of the conservation & restoration of
contemporary art. Not surprisingly, a desparate need of clear concepts and
definitions was felt.

So, what good is museology for? It is clear that in my opinion that should
not be a question.

Dr Peter van Mensch
senior lecturer of theoretical museology and museum ethics
course director master's degree programme

Reinwardt Academie
Dapperstraat 315
1093 Amsterdam
(the Netherlands)

tel.     +31 20 6922111
fax      +31 20 6926836
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website  http://www.xs4all.nl/~rwa