Museum Worlds

Scope & Guideline

Exploring the future of cultural heritage.

Introduction

Welcome to the Museum Worlds information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Museum Worlds, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN2049-6729
PublisherBERGHAHN JOURNALS
Support Open AccessYes
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2019 to 2023
AbbreviationMUS WORLDS / Mus. Worlds
Frequency1 issue/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address20 JAY ST, SUITE 512, BROOKLYN, NY 11201

Aims and Scopes

Museum Worlds focuses on the interdisciplinary study of museums, their roles, and their impacts on society, culture, and history. The journal aims to explore the evolving practices within museums and their relationship with communities, particularly in the context of decolonization and inclusivity.
  1. Interdisciplinary Research:
    The journal encourages contributions from various fields including anthropology, art history, cultural studies, and sociology, reflecting the multifaceted nature of museum studies.
  2. Decolonization and Inclusivity:
    A core focus on decolonizing museum practices and promoting inclusivity within exhibitions and collections, addressing historical injustices and representation of marginalized communities.
  3. Community Engagement:
    Research that emphasizes the role of museums in community engagement, participatory practices, and cultural democracy, highlighting how museums can serve as spaces for dialogue and social change.
  4. Cultural Heritage and Identity:
    Exploration of the relationship between museums, cultural heritage, and identity, focusing on how museums can preserve and represent diverse cultural narratives.
  5. Impact of Technology:
    Investigating the integration of digital technologies in museum practices, including how they enhance visitor experiences and facilitate new forms of engagement with collections.
Recent publications in Museum Worlds indicate a shift towards several emerging themes that reflect current societal challenges and the evolving role of museums in our communities.
  1. Climate Change and Environmental Responsibility:
    An increasing number of papers are addressing the role of museums in discussing and mitigating climate change, showcasing how institutions can contribute to environmental awareness and action.
  2. Decolonial and Indigenous Perspectives:
    There is a significant trend toward incorporating decolonial perspectives and Indigenous voices in museum practices, emphasizing the need for museums to address historical wrongs and support cultural revitalization.
  3. Participatory and Community-Centric Approaches:
    Emerging themes focus on participatory practices where museums engage directly with communities, fostering collaborative projects that prioritize local narratives and experiences.
  4. Digital Transformation and Innovation:
    The integration of digital technologies in museums is becoming a prominent theme, with research exploring how these tools can enhance accessibility, engagement, and the overall visitor experience.
  5. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
    A growing trend towards interdisciplinary collaboration is evident, as museums increasingly partner with various sectors, including education, health, and social services, to create holistic cultural experiences.

Declining or Waning

While Museum Worlds continues to evolve, certain themes have seen a decline in prominence over recent years. This section highlights those areas that appear to be receiving less attention in the latest publications.
  1. Traditional Museology:
    There seems to be a waning interest in conventional museological approaches, with fewer papers focusing solely on traditional exhibition practices without considering contemporary issues like decolonization and community involvement.
  2. Historical Artifacts without Contextual Analysis:
    Papers that solely discuss historical artifacts without connecting them to current social, political, or ethical issues are becoming less frequent, indicating a shift towards more contextually rich analyses.
  3. Exclusivity in Curatorial Practices:
    Themes that promote exclusivity or elitism in curatorial practices are declining, as there is a growing push towards democratization and inclusivity in museum spaces.
  4. Focus on Western-centric Narratives:
    There is a noticeable decrease in publications that center on Western-centric museum narratives, reflecting a broader shift towards global perspectives and the inclusion of diverse voices.

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