South African Museums Association Bulletin

Scope & Guideline

Exploring the Past: Shaping the Future of South African Museums

Introduction

Welcome to the South African Museums Association Bulletin 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 South African Museums Association Bulletin, 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
ISSN0370-8314
PublisherSOUTH AFRICAN MUSEUMS ASSOC
Support Open AccessNo
CountrySouth Africa
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2019 to 2022
AbbreviationS AFR MUS ASSOC BULL / S. Afr. Mus. Assoc. Bull.
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressPO BOX 699 GRAHAMSTOWN, EAST CAPE 6140, SOUTH AFRICA

Aims and Scopes

The South African Museums Association Bulletin focuses on the intersection of museums with social, cultural, and educational dynamics within South Africa and beyond. Its core objectives emphasize the role of museums in society, particularly in relation to historical narratives, identity, and the decolonization of collections and practices.
  1. Cultural Heritage and Identity:
    The journal examines how museums serve as custodians of cultural heritage and how they shape and reflect identities within contemporary South African society.
  2. Decolonization of Museum Practices:
    A significant focus is placed on the decolonization of museum policies and practices, addressing historical injustices and reinterpreting collections in a manner that respects and acknowledges indigenous narratives.
  3. Museum Education and Technology:
    The journal emphasizes innovative educational strategies in museums, exploring how technology can enhance learning experiences and support global sustainable development goals.
  4. Dark Tourism and Memory:
    There is a growing interest in the role of museums as sites of dark tourism, examining how they engage with difficult histories and the implications for memory and identity.
  5. Visitor Engagement and Feedback:
    The journal also addresses the importance of visitor feedback in shaping museum practices and enhancing visitor experiences, reinforcing the notion of museums as community-centered spaces.
The South African Museums Association Bulletin is witnessing a dynamic evolution of themes that reflect current societal and cultural discussions. Recent publications highlight emerging trends that are shaping the future of museum practices.
  1. Decolonial Practices and Epistemic Repatriation:
    There is a significant increase in publications addressing the need for decolonial practices and the moral responsibility of museums to engage in epistemic repatriation, reflecting a broader global movement towards justice in cultural heritage.
  2. Integration of Technology in Museum Education:
    The integration of information communication technology in educational strategies is becoming a prominent theme, highlighting the importance of digital engagement in enhancing learning experiences.
  3. Critical Engagement with Power Structures:
    Emerging discussions critically analyze the power dynamics within museums, particularly how inherited colonial collections can influence contemporary practices and societal narratives.
  4. Reflections on Dark Tourism:
    The exploration of museums as dark tourism destinations is gaining traction, indicating a growing interest in how museums can navigate and represent difficult histories while engaging with visitors on complex themes.

Declining or Waning

While the journal has maintained a robust focus on several key themes, certain areas appear to be declining in prominence. These waning themes suggest a shift in the journal's priorities or the interests of its contributors.
  1. Traditional Exhibition Practices:
    There is a noticeable decrease in discussions surrounding conventional exhibition methods, indicating a possible shift towards more interactive and participatory approaches to museum displays.
  2. Colonial Narratives in Museum Contexts:
    The focus on colonial narratives and their representation in museums seems to be waning, as the discourse increasingly emphasizes decolonization and the reclamation of indigenous voices.
  3. General Museum Management:
    Topics related to general museum management strategies and operations have become less frequent, suggesting that the journal is prioritizing more critical and socially engaged discussions over administrative concerns.

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