New Visions for Museums in 21st Century

Many list members are likely to be interested in the report by Prof. Victor Middleton (Oxford Brookes University) entitled

'New Visions for Museums in the 21st Century'

commissioned and published late last year by the UK Association of Independent Museums,with support from the Carnegie and the Esme Fairbairn trusts, following Prof. Middleton's similar report in 1990.

Taking a wide perspective over the context of change, demand and supply, trends in society, and competition, this report reviews in 100 pages the challenges facing museums, with case studies to illustrate opportunities for change. Though evidence is focused on UK experience and climate of governance the trends and conclusions will strike a chord in most national contexts.

The report has already set the agenda for discussions involving large and small museums, funded from public and private sources, and will serve to guide future strategy and action.

AIM welcomes involvement in the debate and is therefore making copies available to a wider readership. Requests for copies should be sent to Sam Mullins AIM Chairman London Transport Museum Covent Garden London WC2E 7BB

The cost per copy is UKpounds 17.50, US$28. Postage + packing is UK£1, $3 sent surface mail to US or $5.80 airmail.

(613)998-6863v Research P.O.Box 9724, Station T (613)990-3654f Ottawa K1G 5A3 CANADA **Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by the NMSTC** ******************************************************* ******

This report is the result of a study, commissioned by a charitable organisation with support from other charitable organisations from an authority on heritage and tourism. Its significance and value has been acknowledged far beyond the realm of the members of AIM, who are independent (i.e. non-publicly maintained) UK museums, often small but excellent beyond the apparent capacity of their resources. It is their enterprise which has brought this work into the public domain.

Yes, more efficient ways of distribution may exist, but the reality of here and now is that reports need to be read by many who do not have web access, issues of copyright and fair return on costs from web publication are not yet resolved, and we do not yet live in a paperless world - it's not yet a matter of going 'back' to paper.

Let us understand the forces of change, as Victor Middleton has done, and look ahead to the exploitation of every innovation in the most appropriate form to ensure that museums meet the needs of a changing public. That is the purpose of this report.

Doug Hoy