The Social Work of Museums

by Lois H. Silverman

Museums may not seem at first glance to be engaged in social work. Yet, Lois H. Silverman brings together here relevant visitor studies, trends in international practice, and compelling examples that demonstrate how museums everywhere are using their unique resources to benefit human relationships and, ultimately, to repair the world. In this groundbreaking book, Silverman forges a framework of key social work perspectives to show how museums are evolving a needs-based approach to provide what promises to be universal social service. In partnership with social workers, social agencies, and clients, museums are helping people cope and even thrive in circumstances ranging from personal challenges to social injustices. The Social Work of Museums provides the first integrative survey of this emerging interdisciplinary practice and an essential foundation on which to build for the future. The Social Work of Museums is not only a vital and visionary resource for museum training and practice in the 21st century, but also an invaluable tool for social workers, creative arts therapists, and students seeking to broaden their horizons. It will inspire and empower policymakers, directors, clinicians, and evaluators alike to work together toward museums for the next age.

Genres: Museums, Museology, Nonfiction, Art, Reference, Education

212 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Leila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book I read for school - great information, but ended up being super repetitive. Could’ve been a much shorter book.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I expected, but I really enjoyed it. Refreshing to see case studies from around the world rather than just the UK or US. I think more than anything museum workers need to make a mental shift that what we do is social work. It made me feel a lot better about devoting my life to "stuff".

Full review: http://passagemuseums.blogspot.ca/201...

[Skuli Saeland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silverman fjallar vel um félagslegt hlutverk safna og hvernig starf þeirra tengist einstaklingum, pörum og hópum. Hún fer markvisst yfir þetta þjónustuhlutverk og á ítarlegan máta og færir rök fyrir því að félagsþjónusta sé með mikilvægustu hlutverkum safna í dag og eigi enn eftir að aukast.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great case studies and examples. Silverman provides a framework for thinking about the impact of museum programming and exhibitions on individuals and society.

[Britt C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good source in terms of global museums and the impressive things that are being however, I felt the author was stretching her social work theories to "fit" museums.