MUSEOLOGY

Module Zoological Museology

The objectives of the Zoological Museology module concern the acquisition of the main concepts used in scientific museology, with particular reference to the main techniques of display, use, collection, preparation and conservation of zoological material, its filing and labeling. The importance of communication and museum education is also indicated.

An average knowledge of zoological taxonomy and systematics is required.

General scientific museology. Science and Technology Museums. Planetariums and Astronomical Observatories, Zoological Museums, Zoological Gardens, Aquariums and Bioparks, Ecomuseums, Science Centers. The Museum of Zoology: Definitions, Tasks, Typologies and Sections. Conservation: Acquisitions. Cataloging. Maintenance and conservation techniques of zoological material. Museumization. Storage. Museography. Management of chemical-physical environmental factors. Techniques for setting up exhibitions (thematic showcase, diorama, multimedia, billboards: study of texts, images, colour). Permanent exhibitions and temporary exhibitions. Safety of the public and of the exhibits; intrusion protection. Brief review on the natural "enemies" of organic preparations. Museum education and communication, role and value. Historical evolution of teaching. Information and Dissemination: Public and verification of actions, Paths, alternative forms, interactions with training agencies, points of sale and information mediators. Communication plan for a museum. Research: collection campaigns, study of preserved finds, communication strategies. Studies conducted on the public. History of naturalistic museology: the precursors (Egypt, Rome), the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the wunderkammern, the Enlightenment and the first naturalistic museums. The 19th century and the great naturalistic journeys. The 20th century and the stasis. Current Italian and international zoological museums. The historical and psychological reasons at the root of naturalistic collections: collecting; biophilia; the curiosity