The first edition of Reinventing the Museum appeared in 2004, and this third edition follows the format of the earlier editions. Anderson is a museum consultant and the contributors represent a span of museum professionals, from directors and archivists to digital strategists and governance experts. The 2004 edition was subtitled Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on the Paradigm Shift, and the 2012 edition was subtitled The Evolving Conversation on the Paradigm Shift. As its subtitle indicates, the current edition focuses on equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion, issues that are all critical to today’s museums. Anderson made an effort to select topics relevant to all museums, topics reflecting issues of global responsibility: for example, the climate crisis, poverty, and immigration. Each essay includes notes and an extensive list of references; the final section presents a selected bibliography of essays from the first two editions that, in the words of Anderson, “have stood the test of time.” Recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty, professionals.

Choice Reviews

The list of authors of the articles in this important book reads like a ‘who’s who’ in the international museums world . Included are articles by renowned professionals like Elaine Heumann Gurion, Margaret Middleton, Bob Janes, and George Abungu. Edited by the doyenne of museum management studies, Gail Anderson, the book is an up-to-date ‘must read’ for all museum people, whether they are new starters or old hands.

David Fleming, retired director of National Museums Liverpool, UK, and retired professor of public history at Liverpool Hope University

When I started my career as an Indigenous curator the first book I read was the first edition of Reinventing the Museum. It was ahead of the curve when it came to discussions around decolonizing museums, their colonial baggage, and inclusion. I am so excited for this third edition as it even more timely and forward-looking.

Aaron Leggett, senior curator, Alaska History and Indigenous Cultures, Anchorage Museum, president, Native Village of Eklutna

Anderson's book brings together the visions and proposals of those who are leading change in museums, thus resulting in a compendium of the current state of the art.
It is a must-read not only for museum professionals, but also for the entire spectrum of museum stakeholders.

Susana Meden, project-development consultant, Rosario, Argentina