Date of Award

Fall 11-21-2025

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. in Anthropology

Organizational Unit

College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences, Anthropology

First Advisor

Alejandro Cerón

Second Advisor

Christina Kreps

Third Advisor

Nina McHale

Fourth Advisor

Elizabeth Escobedo

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

All Rights Reserved
All Rights Reserved.

Keywords

Access, Community relations, Museum, Public library, Ethnography

Abstract

Access to information is a human right, and this thesis explores the benefits and challenges of integrating museums into public libraries by conducting an ethnographic case study of the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library. The study's findings highlight the complexities of integration. The biggest benefit is the increased access to museum collections, information, and resources. However, challenges arise from the lack of cohesion within the museum and library disciplines, as well as strained community relations. Engaging the community is crucial for successful collaboration, emphasizing the importance of a bottom-up approach that allows for active participation. Integrating museums into public libraries should align with the needs and desires of the community it would serve, represent, and become the caretakers of their material culture, heritage, history, and stories. Overall, there is a unique level of open access that presents a strong argument for more integrated museums in public libraries.

Copyright Date

11-2025

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.

Rights Holder

Yadira Y. Quintero

Provenance

Received from ProQuest

File Format

application/pdf

Language

English (eng)

Extent

114 pgs

File Size

1.4 MB

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