Bringing the reader the very best of modern scholarship from the heritage community, this comprehensive reader outlines and explains the many diverse issues that have been identified and brought to the fore in the field of heritage, museums and galleries over the past couple of decades. The volume is divided into four parts: presents overviews and useful starting points for critical reflection focuses more specifically on selected issues of significance, looking particularly at the museum's role and responsibilities in the postmodern and postcolonial world concentrates on issues related to cultural heritage and tourism dedicated to public participation in heritage, museum and gallery processes and activities. The book provides an ideal starting point for those coming to the study of museums and galleries for the first time.