The Promise of Cultural Institutions

Often museums or libraries have the power to profoundly alter our sense of ourselves and of the world around us, but that power carries with it obligations. This work challenges us to contemplate both the effects and the responsibilities, and also to examine carefully the nuances of these experiences. This thought-provoking collection of essays is essential reading for anyone who cares about cultural institutions and their role in the community of learners. These institutions—often museums or libraries—have the power to profoundly alter our sense of ourselves and of the world around us, but that power carries with it obligations. David Carr challenges us to contemplate both the effects and the responsibilities, to examine carefully the nuances of these experiences. Yet a visit to a cultural institution is itself only one act in the broader activity of learning throughout our lives. Carr has much to say about the experience of learning in its best sense and thus speaks not only to lovers of cultural institutions, but also to lovers of learning everywhere.