Business Commons^™

Marching On Together: The Future Of Non-Profit Museums In A For-Profit World, Matthew R. Dellaguzzo

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This thesis proposes a model of increased collaboration among museums as an alternative to the commercialization of the museum field. Through a combination of internal and external factors, museums are finding it necessary to operate in a manner akin to that of commercial enterprises. This trend threatens to undermine the cultural and educational mission of museums. At the same time, the ability of museums to carry out their missions necessarily depends on a solid financial base. Collaboration, whether in the form of consortia or consolidated institutions, provides an avenue whereby museums can not only make more economical use of their …

Storytelling In Art Museums, Hayley P. Trinkoff

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Storytelling, in the context of art museums, is a method of communicating the qualities and attributes of art through a story. It helps the visitor bring the work of art to life and understand something the eye cannot see, a compelling narrative. It is important for visitors to discuss art and share stories on tours and through virtual media. We learn and form our own meanings from stories. These interactions will help build more relationships within communities. It is the museum’s job to take visitors on a journey and introduce them to new objects and perspectives.

This thesis addresses what …

Crowdfunding In Museums, Melanie R. Bump

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The successes of websites such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo have propelled the popularity of crowdfunding and have made it a viable mode of fundraising in museums. Museums have used crowdfunding to raise funds for a wide variety of purposes including purchasing property, construction, disaster recovery, exhibition production, educational programs, and artifact conservation. An increasing number of museums have launched campaigns through various crowdfunding websites, experiencing varying degrees of success. In order to use crowdfunding as an effective fundraising tool, it is important to understand all the factors that contribute to the overall achievement of a crowdfunding campaign.

This thesis describes …

Pioneering Partnerships: The Role Of The Independent And Non-Traditional Collections Manager In The Museum World, Erin K. Schovel

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Museums are increasingly following for-profit business models. Downsizing, partnering and outsourcing are no longer exclusive business terms, but have been adopted into museum lingo. As museums large and small adapt to decreased funding, they look for ways to stretch their dollars further. Museums are finding value in outsourcing work to independent professionals who are knowledgeable in museum practices. The available literature on museum outsourcing focuses on guest curators. Little is written about other categories of non-affiliated museum professionals on which museums rely, such as fundraisers, public relations officers, and, especially, collections managers. I am particularly interested in non-affiliated museum workers …