So You Want to Work in a Museum? - (American Alliance of Museums) by Tara Young

About the Book

This book discusses some of the benefits of working in museums; explains how museums differ according to size, type, and organizational structure; and goes through dozens of museum positions in detail. It is designed to introduce college students, graduate students, and/or you...

Book Synopsis

This book discusses some of the benefits of working in museums; explains how museums differ according to size, type, and organizational structure; and goes through dozens of museum positions in detail. It is designed to introduce college students, graduate students, and/or young professionals to the museum field.

Review Quotes

With decades of museum work under her belt, Young is uniquely qualified to answer the titular question. Indeed, this is a thorough, thoughtful book that will be of interest to a variety of job seekers, from teens just starting to consider a path to subject specialists looking for a career change to committed potential museum workers who aren't sure if a professional degree is necessary. Young begins by laying out different types of museums and explaining how different sizes of museum are organized and governed. The bulk of the book walks the reader through the typical museum departments (exhibitions, development, etc.) and details the most common jobs in each area. After describing job duties, she lists the skills, experience, and education necessary to get hired and, most helpfully, the personality traits most suited to the job as well as things to "keep in mind," like the possibility of working weekends. Each chapter ends with a profile of a museum worker that describes their career path and the best and worst parts of the job. A realistic, practical guide.

Tara Young is on a mission - a mission to excite people about the prospect of a museum career at a time when museums arguably most need diverse and creative talent. Aimed at aspiring museum professionals of all ages and backgrounds, Young grounds readers in the basics of museum types, structures, sizes, and challenges before diving into a comprehensive catalog of job titles. This book gives us a potent antidote to the struggles and difficult conversations facing museums today.

This book shines a light on a needed path, supporting those who are considering a museum career journey. It provides a breadth of basic insights in order to encourage more intentional entry into the field. And, its candid approach should inspire a number of personal reflections.

This title has been recommended for young adult readers- YA/S - special interest: Because Young covers all areas of paid museum work, this frank, thorough guide will be a useful addition to career collections serving teens.

About the Author

Tara Young is an experienced museum professional and a professor of museum studies at Tufts University. Currently an independent consultant, she has held positions at several museums on both coasts. Most recently, she served on the founding staff of the Museum of Russian Icons, in Clinton, MA, which received AAM accreditation in 2015. Tara has degrees in the history of art and architecture from Harvard College and the University of Pittsburgh, as well as a Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership at Tisch College of Tufts University. She lives in Central Massachusetts.