Children's Museums, Zoos, and Discovery Rooms: An International Reference Guide

(Hardback)

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From aquariums to zoos, this unique international reference source for museums for children (including science centers, planetariums, botanical gardens, and art centers) provides 235 institutional profiles. All museums included responded to data surveys that served both to collect information and to invite dialogue for further clarification. . . . Institutional profiles from 21 countries (alphabetically, Australia to Zimbabwe) provide narrative descriptions containing historical summaries; commentary on operations; building, gallery, room or area descriptions; collection strength; exhibits; subject and program specialties; staff members, including volunteers; audience and attendance; institutional changes and trends; funding sources; and publications. Three appendixes, a name, institution, and subject index, and an extensive 20-page selected bibliography complete this volume. . . . Zucker has compiled a fine volume for public and academic libraries. Choice

Reviews

From aquariums to zoos, this unique international reference source for museums for children (including science centers, planetariums, botanical gardens, and art centers) provides 235 institutional profiles. All museums included responded to data surveys that served both to collect information and to invite dialogue for further clarification. Primary sources for determining which institutions to include were directories, professional literature, conference attendance, and collegial recommendations. Institutional profiles from 21 countries (alphabetically, Australia to Zimbabwe) provide narrative descriptions containing historical summaries; commentary on operations; building, gallery, room or area descriptions; collection strength; exhibits; subject and program specialties; staff members, including volunteers; audience and attendance; institutional changes and trends; funding sources; and publications. Three appendixes, a name, institution, and subject index, and an extensive 20-page selected bibliography complete this volume. . . . Zucker has compiled a fine volume for public and academic libraries.-Choice
In addition to thorough descriptions of institutional history and present-day programs and exhibits, entries compare institutions: note their influence on the practices of other museums, children's zoos, etc.; and cite published articles, many from local newspapers. . . . Appendixes list the 235 institutions alphabetically by name, by founding date, and by type. The book includes a twenty-page bibliography and a good index.-Wilson Library Bulletin
This annotated directory profiles more than 230 zoos, children's museums, or museums that have special children's areas. Although Zucker includes institutions worldwide, the coverage definitely favors the U.S., with more than 180 facilities and more than 40 states represented, as opposed to some 48 sites in 20 other countries from Australia to Zimbabwe.... This guide is aimed at adults working with children (parents, teachers, and group leaders). It is an excellent source for museums, curriculum libraries, and reference and large children's collections in public libraries. The geographically arranged entries and their references will aid those planning trips with children by providing a key to institutions at a particular destination and information available for preparing for the visit. Because of the extensive indexing and bibliography, the guide will also be useful for those interested in starting or enhancing museum facilities for children and those studying the museum movement.-Booklist
"In addition to thorough descriptions of institutional history and present-day programs and exhibits, entries compare institutions: note their influence on the practices of other museums, children's zoos, etc.; and cite published articles, many from local newspapers. . . . Appendixes list the 235 institutions alphabetically by name, by founding date, and by type. The book includes a twenty-page bibliography and a good index."-Wilson Library Bulletin
"This annotated directory profiles more than 230 zoos, children's museums, or museums that have special children's areas. Although Zucker includes institutions worldwide, the coverage definitely favors the U.S., with more than 180 facilities and more than 40 states represented, as opposed to some 48 sites in 20 other countries from Australia to Zimbabwe.... This guide is aimed at adults working with children (parents, teachers, and group leaders). It is an excellent source for museums, curriculum libraries, and reference and large children's collections in public libraries. The geographically arranged entries and their references will aid those planning trips with children by providing a key to institutions at a particular destination and information available for preparing for the visit. Because of the extensive indexing and bibliography, the guide will also be useful for those interested in starting or enhancing museum facilities for children and those studying the museum movement."-Booklist
"From aquariums to zoos, this unique international reference source for museums for children (including science centers, planetariums, botanical gardens, and art centers) provides 235 institutional profiles. All museums included responded to data surveys that served both to collect information and to invite dialogue for further clarification. Primary sources for determining which institutions to include were directories, professional literature, conference attendance, and collegial recommendations. Institutional profiles from 21 countries (alphabetically, Australia to Zimbabwe) provide narrative descriptions containing historical summaries; commentary on operations; building, gallery, room or area descriptions; collection strength; exhibits; subject and program specialties; staff members, including volunteers; audience and attendance; institutional changes and trends; funding sources; and publications. Three appendixes, a name, institution, and subject index, and an extensive 20-page selected bibliography complete this volume. . . . Zucker has compiled a fine volume for public and academic libraries."-Choice

Author Bio

BARBARA FLEISHER ZUCKER is Director of the Illinois Cooperative Conservation Program and a Visiting Assistant Professor at Morris Library, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.