Thursday 16 May 2013

Hi-Fi to Wi-Fi: applying technology to the museum: HME Meeting Monday May 13, 2013

Guess where this QR code leads?
Using technology to meet accessibility needs for visitors to museums and galleries in historic homes/buildings
•    if there is no elevator or access for people with physical disabilities how do they see your site?
•    using screens and videography to explore the site.
•    screens would be set up in the lobby.
•    how to make these videos interactive and exploratory?
•    Museum and Technology Grant

•    Hamilton Factory Media has equipment rentals
•    use PowerPoint or Keynote to create visual program for display.
•    these video terminals/screens can also be used to showcase your site for prospective visitors who are concerned with what they’re going to see for the admission paid.

Ways to use technology to enhance your exhibitions and programs
•    Historical context: Ruthven played television commercials from the 1960s in their 1960s era kitchen during the Christmas season.
•    iPads can be borrowed for enhanced visitor experience and information.
o    issue with visitors signing release forms to ensure iPads be returned was problematic and caused visitor mistrust.
o    mounting iPads in kiosks might be a better option.
•    QR codes to be used with smartphones to give information.
o    RBG uses QR codes along their trail system.
o    iPods and iPads can also read these.
o    QR code app available for iPhone called Scan


•    Digital images of archival material make it easily accessible when it otherwise can’t be accessed.

Do we need a mixed-device environment in our museums and galleries?

Is technology a more inexpensive option than print materials?

Content generation for QR codes, social media, iPads is too time consuming?

The importance of tracking usage is important and can give information as to the demographic most using technology at your site or your social media.
•    Always question who your demographic is and if they are even users of technology (is offering technology a waste of your resources and time if your visitors don’t use it).
•    what technology is best suited for your demographic?
•    non-users might find touch screens simple and easier to use, certainly less intimidating.

Changing technology is a concern.

Social Media: Good or Bad?
•    can be a great introduction to your site.
•    can be easy “informal and friendly” access for research questions and collections concerns.
•    can break down institutional hierarchies as an entrance into your institution.
•    Facebook as a search tool for tourists.
•    can use Foursquare for Facebook feed data.
•    social media allows for other institutions to link to your site to create communities.
•    allows for a conversational tone for information about your site (less formal).
•    suggested that the ideal time to post is after 1pm.
•    always post information with pictures/images to catch attention.
•    Facebook and Twitter allows preloading content to post at certain times.
•    social media builds relationships between museum/gallery staff and the community.

Databases
•    meet the requirements of useful/practical and cool.
•    a useful and easy to use database is an excellent resource for international audiences.
•    issue of data entry and ensuring the data loaded into the database is correct.

Online Classes/Courses and Content
•    programming can be made available on your website.
•    great for adult classes to offer online content to go with in-gallery content.
•    Google Hangouts allow for recordable conversations/ lectures.
•    Khan Academy’s.
•    conversational short videos with art historians, historians and staff are great learning tools.
•    Ask a Curator.

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