Museum Effect

Jeffrey K. Smith is professor and associate dean for research in the College of Education at the University of Otago, New Zealand

• AcknowledgmentsPrefaceChapter 1 : Introduction –Who We were, Who We are, Who We Might BecomeChapter 2 The Nature of Visits to Cultural InstitutionsFive museum visitsWho goes to cultural institutions and events, and why?What do people do during their visit? What are their visiting preferences?Time and number of works viewedLocus of attentionThe influence of art-related knowledgeSummaryChapter 3 Time, Flow, and the Unit of AnalysisWhat is a museum like?Time and museumsExperiencing flow in museumsThe unit of analysis in looking at artSetting the stageChapter 4 DefiningThe Museum EffectHow should we look at art versus how do we look at art?A brief tour of model cityWhat (all) happens when we look at art?Art as mirrorThe model of the Museum EffectInvestigating the Museum EffectWhat to make of all this?Chapter 5 Expanding the Museum Effect to Other Cultural Institutions and EventsWhat is essential about the museum effect?What is similar and different about various cultural institutions?What is a painting like?So, does the Museum Effect extend to other cultural institutions?Chapter 6 How to Enhance the Museum EffectHow best to interact with visitors?The “right way” to look at a paintingThe basics: “We are in your hands!”The options, current and futureLooking aheadChapter 7 Investigating the Museum Effect and Other Research in Cultural InstitutionsThe nature of asking questions, in particular, research questionsModels of the processes involved in research and evaluationExamples and extensionsExtending what we know about the Museum EffectA Final WordIndex

Although entitled The Museum Effect this book is also about libraries and other cultural institutions. The book takes a reflective approach, discussing how these places affect us and the communities in which we live. . . .[The Museum Effect] provides plenty of food for thought for those in the profession wishing to reflect on the impact of their services.