from DigiCULT Thematic Issues
The Future Digital Heritage Space
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This is the final issue of a series of thematic reports which surveyed technological trends with potential direct impact on heritage institutions. Although articulated within the (funding) context of the European Union, the findings do have larger implication in our rapidly globalised and inter-connected world. For the concluding report, the emphasis is centered on near-future technological trends - both hardware gadgetry and software application - that cultural heritage organisations would need to grapple with, if the mission is to stay relevant in a changing world.

Of particular interest is the (foregone) observation that:

"Consumers today take service for granted. What they are seeking are unique, meaningful and memorable experiences. This is not an argument for turning cultural heritage services into entertainment but a warning that services that do not invite, inspire, engage or immerse will not find a wider use."

In short, the museum display can no longer pride itself on being didactic. It must instead seek to be engaging, without trivalising.

Within the older paradigm of museology, cultural heritage conservation had evolved into specific sets of function which supports the system of museum exhibitions, acquisitions and collections management. However, with the advent of a shift in technology use and impact on cultural heritage institutions, the focus will now turn to "persistent and perpetual access" as a strategy of preservation (primarily of digital content, even if based on actual concrete cultural heritage materials). This will surely have untold impact on how conservation functions and even the very identity of the conservation profession itself.

Are we ready for the future, yet?