An accessible guide for the student approaching Museum andGallery Studies for the first time. Taking a global view, itcovers the key ideas, approaches and contentious issues in thefield. Balancing theory and practice, the book address importantquestions such as: What are museums and galleries? Who decideswhich kinds of objects are worthy of collection? What do I needto know about practical care, conservation and collectionmanagement? How are museums and galleries funded? What ethicalconcerns do practitioners need to consider? How is the field ofMuseum and Gallery Studies developing?