All Together Now : A Collaborative Approach for University Museums

University museums today must adjust to the new realities of social relevance and essentiality by creating an inclusive, process-oriented infrastructure for the development of purposeful exhibitions that demonstrate the value of the museum within the university and in its community. To revitalize its place within the academy and develop working relationships within the community, resolute change lies within the complex yet vibrant collaboration that encourages dialogue and the exchange of ideas. Collaboration is a process and a skill. Forming a collaborative environment demands creativity, curiosity, diplomacy, trial-and-error, flexibility, resolve, and a willingness to change and evolve rather than revolve around what has been. This text will approach collaboration from four perspectives - staff commitment, faculty collaboration, student engagement, and community involvement – while acknowledging that every museum and every project have a personality and character all their own. The book is directed specifically at university museums but is relevant to museums of any size and scope as process and inspiration for inclusive collaboration.