Museums and the Community

Abstract

THE case for the museum in relation to modern educational and cultural developments is well and fairly examined in Part 1 of a 39-page pamphlet entitled "New Zealand Museums" by Dr. W. R. B. Oliver (Dominion Museum, Wellington, 1944). The subjects of research, display of exhibits, reference collections, buildings, policy and administration are fully reviewed, but those sections dealing with education are worthy, perhaps, of particular attention. In reference to adult education, Dr. Oliver writes: "The kind of information distributed through the Museum services is not limited to a few subjects such as biology, ethnology and geology. . .. Those subjects not dealt with in the exhibition galleries can be covered very effectively and thoroughly by films shown during the regular educational screenings. By means of films and authoritative lectures, the Museum can extend its province to cover the entire range of human knowledge." This is a fine conception of the work lying within the grasp of the larger museums, but its fulfilment, both in Great Britain and elsewhere, would seem to require closer co-operation between the museums, all other kinds of educational institutions, scientific and art societies, and individual specialists than has generally been the case hitherto. Only when the work of each is mutually understood and appreciated will the museum be able to establish itself fully as the link between the research worker and specialist, who continually advance our knowledge, and the ordinary men and women, who need to be kept informed of such advances.