Includes bibliographical references and index.

Museum defined -- Beginnings of the museum -- Museums today -- Museums and museum fields -- Organization and support -- Collecting theory : general and science museums -- Collecting theory : history museums -- Collecting theory : art museums -- Registration and cataloguing -- Care of collections -- Security -- Use of collections -- Permanent exhibits -- Temporary exhibits -- Visitors and interpretation -- Education and activities -- Museum architecture -- Historic preservation -- Philosophy and public image -- Practical matters -- The law -- Trends and tomorrow -- Recommended resources.Visitors and interpretation -- Education and activities -- Museum architecture -- Historic preservation -- Philosophy and public image -- Practical matters -- The law -- Trends and tomorrow -- Recommended resources.

Long regarded as one the leading texts in museology, Introduction to Museum Work is now thoroughly revised and updated. While citing recent changes in the museum world, the third edition of Burcaw's classic work retains its useful philosophical orientation and convenient summary format. All the basics of museology are here-the central issues are discussed and definitions are given for all the terms museum workers need to know. Every chapter includes practical exercises making Burcaw's book ideal for the classroom or for novice museum workers. Accepted by the Documentation Center of the International Conference of Museums as exemplary of museum training, Introduction to Museum Work is used as a basic text in museum studies all over the world.