Dissertation Information for Carla Diane Hayden NAME: - Carla Diane Hayden
DEGREE:
- Ph.D.
DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science
SCHOOL:
- University of Chicago (USA) (1987)
ADVISORS: - Zena Sutherland
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: - Betsy G. Hearne - Julie M. Hurd - William Pattison
MPACT Status: Fully Complete
Title: A FRONTIER OF LIBRARIANSHIP: SERVICES FOR CHILDREN IN MUSEUMS
Abstract: Library services for children i n museums are on the cutting edge of an exciting development: recognition and respect for juvenile reference and informational needs that are neither connected to a curriculum (as in school libraries) nor primarily responsive to popular taste (as in public libraries) . Thi s study presents: (1) a frame of conceptualization for relati ng librarianship to museum work; (2) a historical review providing perspective and context for library services for children in museums; and (3) a fresh body of fact, with analysis, accomplished through exploratory case studi es and questionnaire surveys. This study found that there is an apparent tendency among museums in which research is conducted toward the maintenence of primarily staff oriented libraries, with few services for the general public, let alone special services for children. Museums in which research is not significant nor coll ections emphasized, as in techno-science centers and children' s museums, tend to establish multi-generational resource centers serving the general public, including children, and the museum staff. The establishment of resource centers usually reflects the museum's orientation regarding exhibit development and education rather than a change in the nature of the museum's library services per se.
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