museums , libraries and the web

dgreenfield — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 22:28:14 +0000

Interesting question with no simple answer. Reflecting on the differences and similarities of the two types of institutions, I think that both are repositories of data, objects and knowledge. Both promote learning, serendipitous browsing and directed research. Both can contain books and objects and both can have exhibitions and displays. Usually though, a physical library can display more of it's collection. Sometimes I think that the web is really a content equalizer for curators and educators. I think that part of the web's unique strength is that it allows the visitor to join a community and be an active participant in sharing the experience, data and knowledge What is lacks in a physical, tactile presence for browsing, and local experience it makes up i by providing a global, dynamic and rich digital community.

responses

jtrant — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:26:21 +0000

richard urban - musebrarian - responded 'what do people do with museums stuff on the web'.

unfortunately, that's something we don't know a lot about... i wish there was more hard evidence about what people do, more articles that study paths through sites, more user studies (of real users), in depth on particular sites, as well as across sites.

museumsandtheweb.com - Comments for "What are the [core] functions of a museum web site?"

museums , libraries and the web

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