Museum Studies - as an academic and practical field of research that is rapidly expanding and alive with potential - presents an opportunity and challenge that parallels the explosive growth of museums throughout the world. Museum Worlds traces and comments on major regional, theoretical, methodological, and topical themes and debates, and encourages comparison of museum theories, practices, and developments across a variety of settings. Drawing on the expertise and networks of a global editorial board of senior scholars and museum practitioners, Museum Worlds both challenges and develops the core concepts that link different disciplinary perspectives on museums by bringing new voices into ongoing debates and discussions. The engaging range of articles and reflections featured in this inaugural volume raise questions about the public functions, obligations, and values of museums in national as well as local and community contexts. Across case studies and contexts in five continents, they explore current trends in museum-related research and practice and capture the breadth as well as depth of the compelling processes of change presently underway in the field.