This study examined directions and framework for professional development of art museum professionals in Korea in light of education and training. Education and training of art museum professionals have been the critical issues of museum world since t...
This study examined directions and framework for professional development of art museum professionals in Korea in light of education and training. Education and training of art museum professionals have been the critical issues of museum world since the 1980s, and the curriculums and support system have been sporadically discussed. Current practice of museum training, however, is unsystematic and very limited to meet the needs of both practicing professionals and future museum workers. In this context, the nature of professionalism of art museum workers was examined in light of core and specialized competencies of practicing professionals presented by such representative museum communities as the International Council of Museums and the American Association of Museums. The analysis of the competencies of art museum professionals, which include comprehensive abilities, knowledge, skills, and attitude, would be especially useful to develop curriculums and system of art museum training. Next, the current state of education and training for art museum professionals in Korea was analyzed in terms of university education, non-degree training programs, internships, and education and training policy for art museums. Finally, the directions and solutions for systemize education and training of art museum professionals were presented in four aspects. Above all, the human resource management policy for art museums including education and training should be developed on national level as well as institutional level. Secondly, sustained education and training programs and opportunities should be developed according to the life cycle of people. Three levels of prospective professionals in schools, school-work transition, and practicing professionals presents the unique training needs. Also, entry-level employees would have different training needs from those of mid-level and senior-level personnels. Third, development of database and guidelines of education and training programs for individual professionals and institutions is needed. Fourth, it is important that the competencies required for future museum professionals should be reflected in the development of education and training programs. Finally, diverse types of partnership between university and art museums should be developed to strengthen the effectiveness of museum training.