The second volume in this series focuses upon the relationship between a museum service and its community, viewed from a range of national and international perspectives, and concentrating upon new work and new political parameters. The papers include a substantial analysis of museum operations from an economic standpoint, drawing upon research into the report of the North of England Open Air Museum at Beamish on the local economy. Further papers consider the influence of recent legislation, the role of performance indicators, and the importance of recent approaches to visitor evaluation. The volume aims to contribute to, and help to shape, the current debate about the ecoomic and political role of museums in the community.