Adult Education in Libraries, Museums, Parks, and Zoos : New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, Number 127 (Paperback)

EDITORS’ NOTES 1
Edward W. Taylor, Marilyn McKinley Parrish

1. Cultural Institutions and Adult Education 5
Edward W. Taylor

This chapter discusses cultural institutions (libraries, museums, zoos, parks) as sites of adult education.

2. Promoting Adult Learning Through Civil Discourse in the Public Library 15
Nancy Kranich

Libraries are ideal settings for adults to develop new understandings of civil discourse while engaging challenging community issues.

3. The Role of Zoos and Aquariums in Education for a Sustainable Future 25
Jan Packer, Roy Ballantyne

This chapter explores the impact on visitors’ environmental knowledge and daily practices through zoo and aquarium learning experiences.

4. Museums: Adult Education as Cultural Politics 35
Carmel Borg, Peter Mayo

Museums offer sites for critical public pedagogy where adult educators and learners can explore the politics of knowledge and representation.

5. (Re)membering: Excavating and Performing Uncommon Narratives Found in Archives and Historical Societies 45
Amanda Kemp, Marilyn McKinley Parrish

This chapter explores the engagement of primary sources from local archives and historical societies as a means to reclaim historically marginalized narratives through performance theatre.

6. Adult Learning in Free-Choice, Environmental Settings: What Makes It Different? 57
Joe E. Heimlich, E. Elaine T. Horr

Environmental learning explored from a perspective of free choice brings understanding to learning that is integrated into everyday life.

7. Literacies, Narratives, and Adult Learning in Libraries 67
Jim Elmborg

Libraries serve as locations for adult learners to develop critical information literacy skills while constructing knowledge alongside library educators.

8. All Work and No Play Makes for a Dull Museum Visitor 77
Robin S. Grenier

This chapter explores the potential of play found within museums and the implications it has for fostering learning among adults.

9. Reflections on Adult Learning in Cultural Institutions 87
Marilyn McKinley Parrish

The author explores shared themes that emerge across the volume, which promote understanding about the relationship between cultural institutions and adult education.

Index 97