Partnership Power

Reviews / Votes

Read the seven pages that constitute the introduction. Because you will be changed by it. Seriously. . . And then jump to the first chapter and read another 12 pages, because it is as powerful a rationale for expanding and centering notions of partnerships in museums as you will ever read. . . . Reading from this book will allow you to add enormous value in your next exhibition development or strategy meeting. I will certainly be assigning parts of the book ahead of future strategic priority meetings at my own institution. For anyone who believes in greater representation and social betterment as outcomes for our work, this is essential reading. . . . Do not make the mistake of assuming that this book is just for your colleagues in programs, education, or visitor experience. It is for anyone who cares about equity, social cohesion, and generosity as values in exhibition development. . . . Partnership Power is an exercise in generosity. Semmel invites us into a community of practice. All the reader need do is open the book and join a group of committed pathbreakers working toward a vision of shared authority, flattened hierarchies, and strong ecosystems. Semmel is a consummate educator who weaves the threads of myriad ideas and thinkers into an accessible, compelling case for blowing past traditional notions of partnerships to work within a landscape of networked organizations. * Exhibition * Partnership Power is a fascinating exploration of the history, reality, and potential of relational collaboration and networking for the museum sector. Semmel's thoughtfully curated set of case studies surface an evolving recognition of the rights and responsibilities museums have always had as elemental pieces of a larger whole. -- Brian J. Carter, Board President, Association of African American Museums, Executive Director, 4Culture The ability for museums to partner meaningfully and effectively within a network of like-minded stakeholders who are dedicated to positive change is crucial for any organization that wants to be a vital and lasting benefit to its community. This book shows us dynamic case studies to illustrate how authentic partnerships might become ingrained in the very existence of our museums. -- Robert Stein, Executive Vice President, Chief Program Officer, American Alliance of Museums Finally, a book that offers a dynamic paradigm shift where partnerships are essential for thriving in our 21st century ecosystem - one defined by disruptive change and expanding networks. Provided are numerous examples of cross sector partnerships and strategies inspiring out-of-the-box thinking and a call to action. Thank you Marsha! -- Barbara Henry, Principal, Barbara Henry & Associates, Transforming Museums Like any marriage, each partnership is unique. This can make finding, let alone compiling, best practices and guidelines for successful partnerships nearly impossible. As usual, Marsha Semmel has proven herself undaunted by the task and has compiled a wonderfully diverse array of case studies, findings, and tips; in short, snackable modules that can be applied and recombined to inform the partnership initiatives of any size museum or project. -- Nancy Proctor, Co-chair, MW Conferences A great donor and access-focused anthology on the fundamentals of managing digital materials, especially for those working in archives that collect from beyond their own institutions. The technical language is accessible and much of the content is scalable to archives of many sizes. -- Arlene Schmuland, head, University of Alaska Anchorage Archives & Special Collections