Access as Method for Digitally Transforming Museums

In this post-digital age, museums and other cultural institutions are increasingly under pressure to adopt new digital technologies to reach communities and sustain engagement and relevance in times of change. However, there are myriad ways that technology can unintentionally introduce barriers to access or exacerbate existing ones, not just for the public but also for the staff of our cultural institutions. How might information professionals' work toward digitally transforming our institutions prioritize access as both an institutional strategy and commitment? How might notions of museum access be expanded beyond compliance with regulatory benchmarks and standards to cultivate a sense of inclusion and belonging among the public we serve?

This webinar presents a case study of a digital transformation initiative at a major art museum based in San Francisco, CA, and how the initiative became a means by which to explore museum access through the lens of social justice and inspired by the social model of disability. The case study aims to illustrate how a conceptual understanding of access and inclusion might be operationalized in museum digital transformation projects. This presentation concludes with some lessons learned from the case study that participants might be able to apply for their own institutions’ digital initiatives.  

During the COVID pandemic, NYTSL is offering its virtual programming free of charge.  Please consider supporting NYTSL by becoming a member or by sending us a donation.

Andrew J Lau is an educator and archivist with interests at the intersection of information, culture, and technology. He received his MLIS and PhD in information studies from the University of California, Los Angeles and his BA from the California State University, Los Angeles. Andrew currently serves as an instructional designer for the University of New Orleans, and has previously served as Director of Digital Projects at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco and as program director for instructional content development with UCLA's division of professional and continuing education.