Dunstan, Jack Oliver
Description
The purpose of this research is to examine the effectiveness of
networked media strategies in museum exhibitions about important
contemporary issues. An extensive 2006 research project found
that museums have a responsibility to present contemporary
issues, providing visitors are given a meaningful opportunity to
contribute to that discussion. This thesis
builds upon that finding to evaluate the effectiveness of
networked media – digital communication...[Show more] technology – in
fostering discussion between visitors about issues such as
climate change, refugees and terrorism. To test the capability of
this strategy, visitors to an exhibition about Australian
immigration policies were asked to use an iPad application to
provide their own views on the exhibition’s content and
interact with other visitor contributions. The results
demonstrate widespread support from visitors for the use of this
type of technology. Museum staff also reacted favourably to
findings that show visitors using networked media engage more
deeply with exhibition content.
However, the research also reveals a set of problems relating to
the use of networked media in exhibitions about contemporary
issues. These problems are categorised into two analytical
chapters in this thesis. The first considers the extent to which
museum staff must curate or moderate the contributions of the
visiting public. The second considers the ethical and logistical
issues relating to the digital dissemination of museum content.
The conclusions stemming from this analysis show that networked
media strategies can be highly valuable communicative tools in
difficult exhibitions, provided that they are carefully designed
and implemented by museum staff.
Strategies shown to be effective include the integration of
physical and online museum spaces, through mobile devices and
standalone applications. The opportunity for meaningful visitor
contribution is afforded by facilitating
continuing debate outside the museum, and the active involvement
of museum staff and other experts in discussions. Museums also
benefit from the creation of digital partnerships, with other
museums, institutions and the interested public to meaningfully
engage with the contemporary issues that are critically important
to visitors.
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