Looking Reality In The Eye: Museums And Social Responsibility

As we enter the 21st century, museums find themselves facing many challenges, not least of which is the questioning of the very raison detre of these venerable institutions. Many museums are redefining themselves in an effort to ensure their survival this new environment.


Looking Reality in the Eye: Museums and Social Responsibility is a collection of essays that explores institutions which have determined that they have a duty to assume a proactive role in the betterment of society. These institutions have become venues in which people can learn about themselves and about others in an immediate and relevant context. The museums range in size from the very large (Liberty Science Center) to the very small (McMullen Art Gallery at the University of Alberta Hospital) and include art galleries, human and natural history museums, science centres, and a police interpretive centre.


The outstanding feature of each institution is the extraordinary dedication of the staff. They have a vision of how their institutions can contribute to society and they are determined to make their exhibits and programs meaningful.


Robert R. Janes has a PhD in archaeology from the University of Calgary and is the former President and CEO of the Glenbow Museum. He is also the Chief Editor of the Journal of Museum Management and Curatorship.
Gerald Conaty has a PhD in archaeology from Simon Fraser University. He is the Senior Curator of Ethnology at the Glenbow Museum and an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Archaeology at the University of Calgary.


Published by University of Calgary Press and Museums Association of Saskatchewan