I’ve been reading through a stack of papers from Museums & Ther Web 2006, which, sadly, we are not at this year.
Here’s an interesting one on maximising the benefits of online and in-gallery experiences.
In order to extend and evolve their relationship with visitors, museums need to develop a holistic view of the audience journey across both the physical and virtual spheres. New media offers opportunities to engage the visitor within both the virtual and physical museums. It can continue visitors’ experience beyond the walls of a museum and create a ‘virtuous circle’ between the virtual and physical space. Visitors are inspired on-line to visit the museum, while within the museum access to a variety of media channels (PDA’s, mobiles, kiosks) encourages visitors to extend the journey by book-marking, voting and sending links of relevant information home. The museum experience is therefore personalized and can be explored by visitors in their own time and to the degree that they wish.