Museums and the Paradox of Change: A Case Study in Urgent Adaptation

Robert R. Janes

ISBN 10: 1895379342 / ISBN 13: 9781895379341

Published by Glenbow Museum, Calgary, Alberta, 1995

About this Item

Considerable wear to front wrap and somewhat less to the back. Front has some light soiling and marks. Edge and corner wear. Author's inscription and signature on title page. (3).

Seller Inventory # 000076

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Museums and the Paradox of Change: A Case Study in Urgent Adaptation
• Publisher: Glenbow Museum, Calgary, Alberta
• Publication Date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1895379342
• ISBN 13: 9781895379341
• Binding: wire ring
• Condition: Good
• Signed: Inscribed by Author(s)

About this title

Synopsis

Museums throughout the world are under increasing pressure in the wake of the 2008/2009 economic recession and the many pressing social and environmental issues that are assuming priority. The major focus of concern in the global museum community is the sustainability of museums in light of these pressures, not to mention falling attendance and the challenges of the digital world.Museums and the Paradox of Change provides a detailed account of how a major Canadian museum suffered a 40 percent loss in its operating budget and went on to become the most financially self-sufficient of the ten largest museums in Canada. This book is the most detailed case study of its kind and is indispensable for students and practitioners alike. It is also the most incisive published account of organizational change within a museum, in part because it is honest, open and reflexive. Janes is the first to bring perspectives drawn from complexity science into the discussion of organizational change in museums and he introduces the key concepts of complexity, uncertainty, nonlinearity, emergence, chaos and paradox. This revised and expanded third edition also includes new writing on strengthening museum management, as well as reflections on new opportunities and hazards for museums. It concludes with six ethical responsibilities for museum leaders and managers to consider. Janes provides pragmatic solutions grounded in a theoretical context, and highlights important issues in the management of museums that cannot be ignored.