This book examines the historical context of museums, their collections, and the objects that form them. Susan M. Pearce probes the psychological and social reasons that people collect and identifies three modes of collecting: collecting as souvenirs, as fetishes, and as systematic assemblages. She considers how museum professionals set policies of collection management; acquire, study, and exhibit objects; and make meaning of the objects in their care. Pearce also explores the ideological relationship between museums and their collections and the intellectual and social relationships of museums to the public.
- ISBN10 1560983302
- ISBN13 9781560983309
- Publish Date 17 October 1993
- Publish Status Out of Stock
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Smithsonian Books
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 312
- Language English
- URL https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9781560983309