Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Museums Galleries Scotland has launched a guide to help museums and galleries get to grips with the technological age with a framework for developing and maintaining digital content about their collections.
Scotland’s museums and galleries have a long established role as guardians and stewards of Scotland’s rich cultural heritage and this role has evolved as technology evolves. Museums and galleries have recognised and are striving to take advantage of the huge potential that the internet presents to greatly increase the numbers of visitors able to access, engage and interact with their collections.
However, the possibilities an online platform presents can be as diverse as the collections on which it is based. The challenge for today’s museum or gallery is to ensure their content reaches its intended audience and will meet their information, learning and entertainment needs. This is why Museums Galleries Scotland have produced the Digital Content Action Framework which has the creation, delivery, preservation and sharing of digital content as its priority themes.
Rachel Bhandari, ICT Development Manager at Museums Galleries Scotland, said:
“We examined common themes and issues facing the sector and from their responses have produced this action framework which sets objectives for us and our members over the next three years. Our aim is to help Scottish museums and galleries keep pace with digital developments and maximise the potential of their online offerings.”
Joanne Orr, CEO of Museums Galleries Scotland, said:
“Increasing access to Scotland’s important collections is a big priority for Museums Galleries Scotland. Through initiatives such as Recognition Scheme and Regional Development Challenge Fund we have been already been able to fund the aspirations of our members who have undertaken projects to collate digital content about their collections. This framework will be of great assistance to those undertaking these projects.”
The Digital Content Action Framework is available to download from the Museums Galleries Scotland website.
Notes to Editors:
Press contact:
Eithne Ní Chonghaile
Communications Manager (PR & Events),
Museums Galleries Scotland
E: eithnenc@museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk
T: 0131 550 4123
