The article deals with the phenomenon of the University Museum as an important structural element of the socio-cultural environment of the University. The results of research aimed at understanding the structure, functions and main characteristics of the University Museum are presented. To achieve the objectives of the study, a qualitative research strategy was used, including both hermeneutic method and descriptive-interpretative analysis. It is shown that the development of museums of Russian universities is characterized by the desire for consistency. Consistency is manifested in the work to ensure the completeness of collections, in the search for optimal forms and methods of stock and exhibition work. The authors analyze the role in the development of University museums of major research scientists-founders of scientific schools, some of which, in addition to the main activity, headed the University museums. Museum collections and the Museum space itself served as the basis for...

In the process of making museum fund we face the question of the significance of every its exhibit item for documenting the social development of the represented time, certain events, processes and structures. The value of the fund is first of all determined on the history of the exhibited thing, of its primary application and the place of it in the life of the society it belonged. The article is devoted to the results of the research in museology which allows to came to conclusion that the totality of all these features give the presentation of cultural and historical value of the museum exhibit, necessity of its safe keeping and proper use in communication. The article deals with the research in museology which results in necessity to determine the value of the <museum exhibit> for its proper use in communication.

In this paper I will explore a concept of museum as the service organization. Conducting service activity is often badly associated, seen as something mediocre (in Polish perspective). However, service perspective won't rob the museum from traditionally meanings, but it will enrich them giving new explanation fields and broaden the museum meaning. Museum offer is enough unique, that only it, as the service provider is able to enrich the viewer in a unique aesthetic and spiritual values. The way to perform an ancillary role towards the society is undoubtedly providing by museums the public services. The role of public service provider is harmonized with the educational function. There is a need to change the paradigm, in order to notice not only human, but also service dimension of these cultural institutions function.

One of the main role of a museum is the recognition of its visitor's characteristics, an essential parameter for defining the role that the institution is meant to play within the community to which it belongs. In recent years, the functions of the museum have been changing: from an institution merely dedicated to art preservation, it has taken on an increasingly important role in the society. Some European countries have defined this new social role, overcoming the traditionally preserving mission, and encouraging the rise of a wider set of functions, in order to qualify the museum as a real public service. In this new perspective, the museum has become a re-working site for historical memories and a representative place of the culture, history and of the environment into which it is integrated. This new museum prototype led local communities to identify the new structure as a place suitable to preserve their identity and their own memory. For instance during the period after the Second World War many new institutions were founded as a consequence of this new vision. The National Museum of Archaeology of Malta resulted from the need of reordering the material evidences of a territory characterized by a strongly fragmented heritage. Since its opening, this institute was showed to residents as a focal point for the community and for its cultural education. In addition to its archaeological and artistic character, so, it was recognized having a "Local Museum" ambition, becoming a reference point for research and excavation of the area and, at the same time, a place for meeting and knowledge, combining conceptually and materially the remains and the history of its territory . Holding this multiplicity of roles, the Museum needs to reach the whole community, using all possible communication means, so that its scopes are immediately evident and the users are effectively involved in its activities. It must appear as a living structure, the fulcrum from which starts every action to promote and enhance the community of Malta. To respect this function, is essential convert the Museum in to the centre of any activity, involving the entire community. The identification of the characteristics of the visitors and their preferences must be the starting point to recognize the most suitable strategy that will encourage the promotion and improvement of the Museum. Visitor's tastes and their behaviours need to be constantly monitored and studied in order to have a correct perception of the actual needs and feedback, in order to be able to reach new and different categories of public. From these considerations started the idea of this research that took place between September and December 2012 at the National Archaeological Museum of Malta . The purpose of this research was to submit to Museum's users an Evaluation Questionnaire in order to improve the museum’s services. This research has led to a better understanding of the Museum’s potential, allowing to define the specific needs of this institute. Also, this study represents a good potential basis for the development of new management and organizational models, completely suitable with the inspected structure, providing a detailed analysis of the status-quo and a complete overview of visitors’ needs.

This is a book in the form of an essay, which, in a systematic but readily intelligible manner and with reference to many prominent international examples, attempts to offer a panoramic and cohesive image of the relationship between culture, society, the museum institution, the museum building and the museum exhibition.