Beginning with a brief look at the history of the British Museum, its collections and resources, the core of this book is a series of chapters describing what goes on behind the scenes in the main areas of museum activity, from temporary exhibitions and permanent galleries, to less visible activities such as scientific research and archaeological excavation, and children"s events and the sharing of expertise. In each chapter the authors give a general overview enlivened by brief contributions from individuals drawn from all parts of the Museum who describe their own particular jobs or projects. Speaking for themselves from their own experience are curators and fundraisers, conservators and photographers, educators and children. The final chapter looks to the future, with major building projects and new forms of electronic communication set to change forever the traditional roles of many cultural institutions around the world.