Zahava D. Doering, a University of Chicago trained sociologist, has had many years experience in social science research and studies in museums. In 1987, she was the founding director of the Institutional Studies Office (ISO), now part of the Office of Policy and Analysis at the Smithsonian Institution (SI). Under Doering’s direction, ISO collected systematic data about Smithsonian audiences, members and staff; conducted scientific studies of the visitor experience; undertook audience research for exhibition development; assessed SI exhibitions and public programs; and developed a basic research program.

Doering’s museum activities include serving as Editor of Curator: The Museum Journal, active participation in the Visitor Studies Association (VSA), Council of American Jewish Museums (CAJM) and AAM's Committee on Audience Research and Evaluation (CARE) (former co-chair). Doering has published extensively, lectured and conducted workshops and seminars for museums throughout the United States and abroad, most recently in New Zealand, Australia, Spain, and Israel. In 2006-07, she conducted invited seminars in Germany, the Punjab (India), and Denmark and lectured at national and international meetings.

Back to Program...

Curator: The Museum Journal
Written by museum professionals for museum professionals, Curator: The Museum Journal provides a forum for exploration and debate of the latest issues, practices, and policies in museum administration, research, exhibition development, visitor studies, conservation, education, collection management and other subjects of current concern to the community. Each issue presents a range of expert voices. Articles are peer-reviewed and held to the highest standards of timeliness and rigor. Forums, reviews and commentaries relay news and opinions from writers with an insider's perspective. Issues are frequently organized around topics of great urgency for the field. Professional conversations cover the globe: from the emergence of museums in China to the trials of export licenses in Great Britain. Join in the discussions and know what your peers are saying about the vital issues facing museums.

Back to Program...