2016-02-22

Call for Chapters: Applying Systems Thinking in Museum Management and Operations. Theory and Practice

Editors: Yuha Jung, PhD, (University of Kentucky) and Ann Rowson Love, PhD (Florida State University). Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield. Systems thinking sees the world as interconnected to and interdependent with all parts. When applied to museums, systems thinking views them as open systems where the whole is bigger than its individuals and departments, and the museum necessarily influences and is influenced by its larger community. Therefore, when museums are run based on this theory, it encourages an organic and teambased network model to operate and manage museums as well as the sharing of ideas internally and externally with communities rather than focusing on compartmentalized systems. This leads to more inclusive, responsive, and relevant practices in museums. The editors are seeking chapters that demonstrate the application of systems thinking in all kinds museums. Abstract Deadline is Friday, April 15, 2016.

Background

Systems thinking is a perspective that sees the world as interconnected and interdependent. Therefore, the whole is bigger than the sum of its parts. In the same vein, according to Bateson (2000), individuals, societies, and living organisms are understood as being situated in a context, constantly interacting with other parts of the world. This view can also be applied to humancreated organizations, such as museums. When systems thinking is applied to organizations, we can see them as very complex open systems in that everything in the system affects everything else and everything is part of a larger environment.

Therefore, each organization or museum has to be understood as a whole within its specific context and as an entity that keeps evolving based on internal and external changes. In addition, hierarchies of people and departments, which are often rigid structures of dominance and control, can be replaced with networks where all involved parties are equally valued and their input and perspectives are reflected in major decision making processes.

Chapters

Systems thinking has been used and popularized in business administration and organizational theories in public and nonprofit sectors. However, its application in the museum setting is somewhat limited. While there are discussions of systems thinking in the museum field, these are rather theoretical and its applicability in real life settings is missing.

Successful chapters (2000-3000 words) will provide real life examples and best practices of museums that apply systems thinking to daytoday operations. We are looking for chapters that cover any one or a combination of museum functions including leadership, financial management, personnel, development, communication, education, exhibitions, and community engagement.

Possible topics may include:

Museum leadership that empowers full staff participation in establishing and implementing the museum mission, vision, goals, and outcomes
Sustainable fundraising strategies that establish new relationships, adopt innovative formats, and nurture crossgenerational giving
The museums organizational structure shifted from linear or topdown to organic and collaborative
Financial management that is a missiondriven, transparent process and that seeks broad input, including marginalized voices, in order to achieve longterm solvency
Internal communication that establishes a safe environment to share new ideas, resolve conflict, and promote reflection
Interdepartmental teams that create cohesive exhibitions and programs aligned with the mission and values of the museum
Community engagement that involves genuine and continuous relationship development throughout the museum
Visitor and nonvisitor perspectives that inform decisionmaking
Commitment and active effort to diversify museum staff, board, and community partners
Physical environments planning that includes both public and staff spaces adhering to ADA and Universal Design standards and that promotes participation and collaboration
Theoretical foundations of systems thinking applied in museums

Please send a onepage, singlespaced abstract of your proposed chapter to both yuha.jung@uky.edu andann.rowson@fsu.edu by Friday, April 15, 2016. Successful authors will be notified by Friday, May 6, with completed manuscripts due by Friday, August 5, 2016.

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