Resurrecting a Neglected Idea: The Reintroduction of Library-Museum Hybrids

Abstract

In the past decade, libraries and museums have assumed "post-object" roles and formed partnerships based on a "post-object" philosophy. Because this philosopy is problematic, we suggest that libraries assume a role traditionally associated with museums by incorporating objects into their collections. Two historical precedents in which the library/museum formed a single cultural institution are used to explain how the relationship between objects and printed materials could be adapted to present-day contexts. Two models are presented. The cabinet of curiosities model examines how academic libraries, using deaccessioned and stored museum objects, could create a dynamic interdisciplinary environment. The popular collections model explores how public libraries use individuals' popular collections of objects to design exhibits that heighten the interconnections among libraries, information, and user communities.

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