This book is a must-read for every museum professional. It is relatively easy to read and full of researched-backed anecdotes that will make you proud to work in the museum field.

Falk sets out to refute the argument that museums are “nice but not necessary,” and he accomplishes this with a depth of information presented in a highly accessible way. If you are looking for language to help you make the case that your work matters, this is the resource you are looking for. By framing the visitors’ experiences in four areas (physical, personal, intellectual, and social), this book cleverly and clearly shows you where you, as a museum professional, can affect a person’s museum experience and where you have no power. Understanding this critical difference will help you know exactly where to focus your energy as you plan programs and design visitor experience!