Information, a resource on the rise: The future of documentation in museums

Abstract

Information is a vital resource in the current economic climate and thus museums have begun to realise the importance of raising awareness of their collections through the powerful communication channel that is the World Wide Web. The acquired knowledge of years of research, erstwhile transmitted through printed matter, now begins to flow through the net, bringing museums closer to the thousands of users who would otherwise be unable to visit them in person. The generous sharing of this information finds its inspiration in the “digital potlatch” model, whereby the free availability of the said information increases its value and earns prestige for the institution that authorised its unrestricted circulation. The future of documentary services in museums-libraries and archives included- lies in facilitating that openness, as well as in considering and working for the global community, thereby attaining its recognition.