Online cultural heritage exhibitions: a survey of strategic issues

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to report findings from a study that looked at a range of strategic issues faced in the development, management and maintenance of online cultural heritage exhibitions. The study examined exhibitions from different types of cultural agencies and asked questions about whether, for instance, the exhibitions are part of the strategic plan of the institutions, what their objectives are, how they are funded and a range of other management as well as technical issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A semi‐structured online survey questionnaire was administered to project managers and curators of such online exhibitions between July and December 2005.

Findings

A number of strategic management and technical issues related to the development and management of online exhibition projects have been identified in this study. It needs to be noted however, that the survey sample consists of far more museums than other types of memory institutions.

Research limitations/implications

The research concerned is by no means a comprehensive or an all‐inclusive survey of all relevant initiatives. It is meant to be an exploratory study of cultural heritage online exhibitions across different types of cultural and memory institutions available on the web.

Originality/value

The findings from this study provide a snapshot of key strategic issues faced by those involved in the development, management and maintenance of online cultural heritage exhibitions. The paper aims to highlight key issues, offers challenges and invites further discussion and innovation in this area.

Citation

Li Liew, C. (2006), "Online cultural heritage exhibitions: a survey of strategic issues", Program: electronic library and information systems, Vol. 40 No. 4, pp. 372-388. https://doi.org/10.1108/00330330610707944