Museology

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://digital.lib.washington.edu/handle/1773/17096

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Fostering Belonging at Latino Cultural Institutions
(2024-03) Gutierrez Vasquez, Dulce V.; Selvakumar, Meena
Current research on the experiences of Latino Museum visitors has been done on their experiences at non-Latino cultural institutions. Results from this literature shows that Latino visitors are feeling excluded or alienated at these cultural institutions. In an attempt to fill a gap in Latino audience research, this article discusses a multi-case study focused on how Latino cultural institutions foster belonging for Latino visitors. The findings reveal that Latino cultural institutions develop relevance in their communities by offering services and opportunities tailored to Latino community members' needs. These institutions actively embrace Latino culture through language inclusivity, staff diversity, and community engagement, mirroring the values and experiences of their target audience. By positioning themselves as community hubs, they redefine the museum concept, offering non-traditional programming, and advocating for local and national issues alongside their community. This approach creates reciprocal relationships, wherein visitors feel a sense of identity and social capital within the institution. The article calls for further research into the practices of affinity museums and their potential replication in larger cultural institutions to enhance the sense of belonging for marginalized communities. By investing in collaborative research efforts, cultural institutions can evolve to better reflect and serve the diverse communities they represent.
Decolonization and Databases: Examining Collections Management Systems and Decolonizing Practices
(2021-07-07) Sprague, Courtney E.P.; O'Donnell, Wilson
Decolonizing museum collections continues to be an important topic in the museum field, but limited research has been done on the efficacy of databases in terms of enhancing decolonizing practices. As such, the purpose of this study was to examine decolonizing practices in collections management databases in museums with Indigenous collections. Those selected for study included privileging of the following practices: incorporating Indigenous knowledge (perspective, language, and protocols), accepting Indigenous authority, and providing Indigenous peoples access to information and objects in museum collections. The first method in this phenomenological study used semi-structured interviews with seven collections specialists about their experiences with collections management databases and decolonizing practices in six institutions in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The second used document analysis of three institutions’ collections policies and decolonizing initiatives. Findings suggest all museums had collaborated with source communities about Indigenous knowledge entered into the databases, but the extent of capabilities and utilization of decolonizing practices in collections management systems was inconsistent. None of those interviewed had discussions with Indigenous communities on the choice of the current collections management database, though a majority were in the process of seeking new collections management systems to replace those that had been in use for ten or more years in the museum. Access to the database was also inconsistent, and particularly dependent on system features. Limitations of this study included the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on scheduling interviews, the time needed to complete the research, and the final sample size potentially not being representative of all museums.
To carve out space: Transgender visitors' experiences in museums
(2020-08-14) Berliner, Johanna; Luke, Jessica J
Although museums have recently moved in the direction of increasing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion (DEAI) in their initiatives, these efforts have not yet significantly focused on transgender audiences, which face disproportionate and unique discrimination in public life. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand transgender visitors’ experiences of inclusion and exclusion in museums. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 participants identifying as transgender or non-cisgender who visited a local museum as part of the study. Results showed that experiences of inclusion and exclusion were related to exhibit content, interactions with staff, and access to restrooms. The data also indicated that transgender visitors’ experiences of inclusion and exclusion were influenced by the intersections of other aspects of their identities, and their perceptions of how other underrepresented groups experienced the museum. This research has implications for practice in curation and interpretation, staff training, facility planning, and community engagement.
Interpreting Hybridity: A Decolonizing Analysis of Museum Interpretation Strategies
(2020-08-14) Burnette, Shiro Edward; O'Donnell, Wilson
The purpose of this study was to determine the ways in which museums engage in decolonizing practices through their interpretation of hybrid material culture. A case-study based design was implemented in order to explore the interpretive methods of hybrid materials in exhibitions across two institutions. Semi-structured interviews with staff and a document analysis of online exhibition materials presented the qualitative data for analysis. The findings delineate that within the given case studies, hybrid materials are prevalent and the interpretive strategies surrounding them are just as diverse. These interpretive strategies include shifting vocabulary, live-interpretation and comparison-based presentation. This study builds upon decolonization-based literature and offers additional insights for museums pursuing the goal of decolonizing their spaces. Such work aids in combining the theories of museology and material culture theory through a decolonizing lens. This research is limited in scope given minimal literature that bridges hybridity and decolonization, the diverse missions and values instituted by museums towards decolonization and the inherent specificity of a case-study design.
Exploring Climate Change and Community Engagement in the Museum
(2020-08-14) Sakowski, Danielle N; Selvakumar, Meena
With the unique tools and points of connection that define museums, they have a role to play in engaging their local communities on the topic of climate change. Washington State is now experiencing a variety of climate change-related effects including increased extreme heat events, droughts, wildfire, ocean acidification and more—these impacts will gain momentum as time and current human behaviors continue. The purpose of this study was to explore the dimensions of community engagement on topics related to climate change in small and mid-sized museums in Washington State. This study’s aim was to characterize 1) the ways that practitioners in the State engage their community on this topic, 2) the barriers and opportunities presented, and 3) the potential impact of this engagement on the local community. Utilizing a case study design, data were collected through interviews with six museum professionals and institutional document analysis. The results of this study suggest that small and mid-sized museums in Washington State engage their communities on the topic of climate change using a diversity of strategies, consider local relevance in their messaging, and leverage their work in this vein through partnerships. The engagement strategies described in this study may serve as a model for institutions interested in this work.
Historical Thinking Through Historical Doing: The Impact of Wearing Armor on Visitor Thinking in Arms and Armor Galleries
(2020-08-14) Lamble, Michael Lowry; Luke, Jessica
Many museums invite the public to touch, handle, and even wear historical objects from their collections, whether originals or replicas, using these experiences to illustrate the past for their visitors. The purpose of this study was to explore how wearing armor affects people’s historical thinking about arms and armor. This was a descriptive survey study, in which twenty adults tried on replica armor before visiting the arms and armor gallery at the Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, MD. After exploring the gallery, participants were interviewed about their thoughts in the gallery and how their experience wearing armor influenced those thoughts. Findings indicate that there is no overarching trend in visitor interest in armor, that visitors most commonly report a deeper understanding of armor as a physical object as a result of trying on armor, and that wearing armor influenced participants’ historical thinking by prompting them to take on an historical perspective. These findings will be of most direct application to large art and encyclopedic museums with significant arms and armor collections, and may be of use to any museum offering visitors the chance to handle, wear, or use historical objects.
Examining the Small History Museum’s Impact on Place Identity
(2020-08-14) Rommel, Grant; O'Donnell, Wilson
This study described the extent to which local history museums established place identity among museum members. Understanding the small history museum’s role in shaping place identity could be beneficial to developing and sustaining museum audiences and could be vital to a museum’s success. The intent was to establish whether local history museums were able to develop place identity among members of and subscribers to local history museums and historical societies who did not have strong relationships to those small institutions, as might be demonstrated by volunteer hours or employment. Prior research in large institutions demonstrated that museums were influential in developing a sense of identity among their communities. However, little was understood about how small institutions, particularly small history museums and historical societies, influenced place identity among members and subscribers. This research study used a case study methodology, examining three small history museums in Washington State. The design of this case study included survey and document analysis methodologies to examine place identity among museum members or subscribers. The findings revealed that small history museums fall in line with the results of prior research on larger institutions and their power to influence place identity. The results of this research study supported that local history museums and historical societies impacted one’s perception of self and that museum members identified closely with the places in which these institutions were located. Limitations of this case study included the availability of documents for analysis and the change in the sample from nonmember visitors to members due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trying to Engender A Culture of Support: Coping Mechanisms for Empathy Burnout for Museum Interpreters
(2020-08-14) Hardin, Emily N; Selvakumar, Meena
Every year, millions of people in the country visit trauma site museums and memorials, hoping to engage with and learn about difficult histories. The front-facing staff of these museums, like interpreters, engage with significant number of these visitors, putting these staff members at risk of experiencing emotional burnout and strain due to both visitor interactions and traumatic material. How do staff members remain in their positions even as they combat burnout from constant exposure to difficult stories, extreme emotions, and more? The purpose of the phenomenological study was to examine the nature of empathy burnout and potential coping mechanisms for interpretive staff who work with traumatic material at historical and memorial museums. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 5 participants who work at 4 different traumatic history and memorial sites. The initial results indicate that these front-facing museum professionals noticed the impacts of empathy burnout on their work and engaged with coping mechanisms either personally or in their work environment. The participants also offered suggestions as to what museological institutions can do to better support their employees’ mental health and wellbeing. These preliminary findings have implications for museum practice concerning what they can do as employers to continue to help their employees’ mental health.
Professional Self-Efficacy in Museum Educators
(2020-08-14) Bramble, Caitlyn Elizabeth; Luke, Jessica
In the 21st century, museum educators are adapting to a changing field and actively considering the meaning of their roles as professionals, and yet there is little research on the topic of professional self-efficacy in museums. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine museum educators’ professional self-efficacy. A diverse group of thirty-three practicing museum educators were interviewed, all of whom worked in non-STEM-focused institutions. Leadership strategies, institutional culture, and access to professional development emerged as significant factors in the development of museum educators’ professional efficacy. Study results suggest practices that could be employed by museum studies faculty, mentors of emerging professionals, and others invested in the professionalization of museum educators to support the ongoing development of their colleagues’ confidence to do their jobs.
Exploring the Relationship Between Empathy for Animals and Environmental Self-Efficacy in Zoo and Aquarium Visitors
(2020-08-14) Johnson, Linnea; Luke, Jessica J
The interconnected crises of climate change and biodiversity loss necessitate widespread behavior change on the individual and collective levels, and zoos and aquariums are uniquely positioned to galvanize this change. Understanding the factors that influence visitors’ behavioral intentions is vital to interpretation that inspires pro-environmental action. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between empathy for animals and environmental self-efficacy, and the ways in which they affect zoo and aquarium visitors’ intent to take conservation action. Quantitative survey data were collected from 264 visitors to four AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums using the Conservation Learning Instrument developed by Mast et al. (2018). Environmental self-efficacy was found to be significantly correlated with all measures of empathy for animals, and both constructs were significantly related to intent to take conservation action. Empathy for animals, environmental self-efficacy, and intent to take conservation action were significantly different between women and men and between guests who did and did not report an extra-special experience during their visit. These findings affirm and build upon those of existing literature and have implications for the roles of environmental self-efficacy and empathy for animals in zoo and aquarium research and practice.
Decision-Making at the Executive Level: How Boards of Trustees and Search Firms Hire Art Museum Executive Directors
(2020-08-14) Riley, Devin; O'Donnell, Wilson
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the decision-making process of art museums when hiring executive directors. To understand this phenomenon, semi-structured interviews were conducted with board of trustee members and search firm consultants who had been part of an executive director search at an art museum with at least a five million budget during the past six years. The interviews were informed by literature from the field of museology focused on museums governance and behavioral economics. Analysis of the data revealed five findings: art museum mission statements drove the decision-making process, fundraising was the most important skill desired in candidates, museums did not have minimum education level requirements for executive directors to have a PhD, participants believed their decision-making was unbiased, and decisions that were made were made collaboratively as a group. These five findings suggest agreement in what art museums value in an executive director and practices they similarly follow. These results have the ability to assist in future art museum executive director searches and can inform the museum community of the values held by decision makers. The primary limitation of this study was the small sample size due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Confronting Stigma: The Museum's Role in Suicide Prevention
(2020-08-14) Sailors, Elizabeth; O'Donnell, Wilson
The purpose of this case study was to examine suicide and suicide prevention-related museum programs and exhibits in order to understand the ways in which museums could aid in suicide prevention and awareness. Research was guided by two questions: how can museums use programming and exhibits to aid in suicide awareness and prevention; and are museums appropriate places to address topics such as suicide? The research focused on the suicide epidemic, bereavement and the arts, and museums as healing spaces. With a growing body of literature supporting the positive outcomes of museum programs and exhibits on mental health, there seemed a lack of literature on the effects of museum programs and exhibits aimed at suicide prevention and awareness. Data was collected on two suicide awareness-programs and two suicide-related exhibits through document analysis and semi-structured interviews with professionals most closely involved with the program or exhibit at three museum sites. The results of the study suggested that museums were well positioned to aid in suicide prevention and awareness through programming and exhibitions. The primary limitation of this study was the small sample size.
Decolonizing Natural History Museums Through Volunteer Engagement
(2020-08-14) Brenner, Sarah E; Luke, Jessica J.
In recent years, natural history museums have begun to place a greater importance on confronting their colonial pasts, and decolonization has become a popular topic of discussion among museum professionals. When a natural history museum is attempting to decolonize, they must do so at all levels of the organization. This includes the museum’s volunteer program. Volunteer programs are often vital to the success and even existence of a museum. Yet, in general, volunteerism in the Western world, has strong connections to inequity and white privilege. The purpose of this study was to discover the ways in which natural history museums who have indicated a focus on decolonization, are also incorporating their vision of decolonization into their volunteer program and the impact that those strategies have on volunteers. Using a qualitative case study design, data were collected from three natural history museums through semi-structured interviews, an online questionnaire, and document analysis. Findings suggest that volunteers who have attended trainings that incorporate topics related to decolonization and Native perspectives are more likely to be in support of museum decolonization, be more likely to feel that they can contribute to the decolonization of their organizations, and feel an increased empathy for Native American peoples. Furthermore, organizations that have focused on decolonization for a longer period of time have greater access to local communities and are better able to bring Native perspectives to their volunteers. Findings suggest a relationship between the incorporation of Native perspectives into volunteer training and increased empathy by volunteers for Native peoples. This study contributes to the greater conversation about museum decolonization and is intended to inform museum professionals on effective ways in which they can incorporate their museum’s decolonization practices into their volunteer programs.
Understanding Feelings of Inclusion and Exclusion for Black and Brown Students in Museums
(2020-08-14) Kifle, Addey; Selvakumar, Meena
Museums have been making efforts to make their practices more inclusive. Research suggests that despite these efforts Black and Brown visitors experience a sense of alienation when visiting museums. The purpose of this research study was to better understand how and when students of color feel inclusion and exclusion during a field trip at a museum. 15 students participated in two focus groups held in two different cities. Results suggest that students experienced inclusion when they were met with kindness from staff and other visitors, there was content that aligned with their interests, and if they viewed the museum as a quiet, self-reflective space. Results also suggest that students experienced exclusion when they felt out of place amongst other visitors, content did not reflect them or their interests, they experienced discrimination due to the intersection of their race and age, they had unpleasant interactions with staff members, and when they observed a lack of diversity in staff members. These findings suggest that the inclusion efforts a museum does or does not take are noticed by Black and Brown students and can impact how comfortable or not they feel when in the space. This can inform actionable steps that cultural institutions can take to make their practices more equitable.
What Asian Caregivers Observe about Their Children’s Learning During a Visit to the Children’s Museum
(2020-08-14) Sun, Shiyu; Luke, Jessica J.
Prior research has examined caregivers’ observations of their children’s learning in a children’s museum. However, considering the cultural variations in beliefs about play and learning, little is known about what Asian caregivers observe about their children’s learning during a visit to the children’s museum. The purpose of this study was to explore whether or not Asian caregivers learn something about their child(ren)’s learning during a visit to the children’s museum, what they learn, and what it is about the children’s museum that caregivers feel contributes to that learning. This study replicated an earlier study of the research done by Children’s Museums Research Network. The researcher interviewed 35 Asian caregivers at the KidsQuest Children’s Museum in Bellevue, Washington. Results showed that more than half of the study participants observed something about how their child(ren) learned. Study participants most frequently referenced their children’s learning process, their child(ren)’s interests, peers’ impact on that learning, and cognitive skills in the description of what they observed. Asian caregivers attributed a range of aspects of the museum experience to that learning, including the opportunity to watch child(ren) play and, to watch them interact with other children, floor staff who engaged with child(ren) in conversation, and activities/ exhibits, materials available at the museum designed for young children and their family to do together. These findings have implications for family research in the children’s museum and for children’s museums making effort to increase diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
Modern Approaches to NAGPRA
(2020-08-14) Wolf, Brady; O'Donnell, Wilson
The purpose of this study was to identify and describe Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act compliance methodologies and how institutions overcame the challenges inherent in the act. The research focused on how professionals performing repatriations perceived their efforts and employed techniques and perspectives, and how tribal representatives who facilitated repatriations for their community experienced the process. Current literature suggested that museums struggle to repatriate human remains and significant objects due to issues of funding, staffing, legal confusion, and lack of relationships with indigenous communities. Literature also suggested tribal communities historically struggled to have their perspectives heard by the academic and scientific communities, and were forced to wait extensively for the return of their ancestors and material culture. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with repatriation professionals from six museums or universities, and three tribal nations. The results of this study indicated that a collaborative approach to repatriation that prioritized indigenous concerns was an effective way to overcome the challenges found in NAGPRA compliance. This study also suggested that the experience of tribal representatives varied widely between individuals and institutions, and often predicated upon the actions of a few dedicated individuals to be successful. The limitations of this study included the small sample size, a limited pool of contacts, and effects of the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of efficient communication.
Now You See Me: The Emotional Impact of Visible Labs on Museum Staff
(2020-08-14) Dickinson, Sarah; Selvakumar, Meena
In the last half-century, visible lab and storage spaces have become a popular phenomenon around the world. These new spaces provide visitors to the museum the option to view museum staff, operations, and collections which were usually behind the scenes. This is usually done by renovating these spaces so that there is a glass window so that the public can look into the lab or collections space from the museum. Changes such as these have been buoyed by a wave of interest in making museums more democratic and transparent.Â Because this movement to openness toward the community was focused on the visitor’s experience, the majority of research surrounding visible lab spaces focuses on visitor reactions to these spaces. The purpose of this research study was to understand the impact of working in an inside-out setting within a museum on the emotional well-being of museum staff who conduct daily business in these spaces. With that goal in mind, a phenomenological study was done by conducting seven semi-structured interviews across three institutions with visible lab spaces. The results of this research were that staff experience both positive and negative emotional impacts by working in these spaces, which are brought on by interactions with visitors, the change in obligations and responsibilities, and the amplification of staff emotions by being observed at work. The results have implications for museum practice and the organizations’ treatment of the emotions of staff who conduct business in these spaces, and also serves as preliminary investigation for further research.
Understanding How Museum Visitors Perceive Antiquities Repatriations
(2020-08-14) Makinster, Hayley Michele; Luke, Jessica J.
University of Washington Abstract Understanding How Museum Visitors Perceive Antiquities Repatriations Hayley M. Makinster Chair of Supervisory Committee: Jessica J. Luke Museology Graduate Program Repatriation within museums continues to be an important topic widely discussed by museum professionals, as legal frameworks and guidelines such as the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and the 1970 UNESCO Convention continue to emphasize the importance of cultural heritage to their original communities and governments. Although visitors are major stakeholders in nonprofit museums, there is little research regarding visitors’ attitudes towards repatriation, including how visitors respond to various repatriation practices. As such, this study explored visitors’ attitudes to repatriation, specifically focusing on responses to high-profile antiquities repatriations. Using a descriptive survey design, the researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with 40 participants via Zoom. Findings suggest that a majority of museum visitors have some general foreknowledge of repatriation. Study participants attributed repatriation awareness to various avenues, including popular culture references and educational programs. A majority of participants supported the repatriation of certain objects based on several factors and expressed interest in museums engaging their visitors in repatriation conversations. This study paves the way for future research on visitors’ attitudes towards repatriation, from which museums and researchers alike will continue to benefit.
Influence of an Art Museum Visit on Individuals’ Psychological and Physiological Indicators of Stress
(2020-08-14) Ter-Kazarian, Kristina; Luke, Jessica J.
In recent years, the museum sector has responded to the global trend of expanded awareness of health and well-being challenges. Although the interest in examining museums’ health impacts is growing, the ﬁeld lacks robust evidence of measurable well-being benefits that would allow art museums to expand their social role and realize their health-enhancing potential for the communities they serve. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential influence of an art museum visit on people’s psychological and physiological indicators of stress, including self-reported stress, self-reported arousal, and saliva cortisol. A single group pre- and post-test approach was used, and data were collected through self-administered questionnaires and saliva samples. Thirty-one local professionals participated in this study, on a lunchtime visit to the Bellevue Arts Museum in Seattle, WA. Results demonstrated that average levels of self-reported stress and arousal were signiﬁcantly reduced by a brief art museum visit during lunchtime; levels of saliva cortisol were unchanged. The museum experience increased visitors’ feelings of pleasantness, happiness, and enjoyment and decreased their sense of wakefulness, alertness, and tension. The results of the study suggest that art museums have an opportunity to strengthen their social role by becoming health and well-being resources for their communities. The study contributes to the research on how arts, cultural, and museum engagement impacts individual and societal health and well-being.
Co-Curation and Collaboration: A Case Study on the Effects of Co-Curation on Staff
(2019-10-15) Reilly, Emma; O'Donnell, Wilson
The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions, strategies, and behaviors of staff who engage with co-curation. The research focused on how staff described their experiences with co-curation, their strategies related to co-curation, any changes in their thinking that they had noticed and whether or not they exhibited behavioral indicators of teamwork during their discussion. Literature on co-curation, collaboration, and participation was used to inform this research. Data was collected through three focus groups at three museum sites and through observation of these focus groups. The results of this study suggested that staff perceived challenges and benefits related to co-curation. This study also suggested that staff did have methods and strategies for engaging in co-curation, such as setting expectations, practicing patience, and varying their approach. In addition, this study suggested that staff perceived the effects that co-curatorial practices had on their perspectives and work, such as improved communication skills, questioning assumptions, and job enjoyment. Finally, this study suggested that staff displayed behaviors that indicated collaboration and teamwork, such as consensus seeking, during their discussions on co-curation. The limitations of this study included the small sample size, the geographic location of the sample museums, and that this study only focused on contemporary art museums.

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