Building the sustainable iMuseum: is the virtual museum leaving our museums virtually empty?

Abstract

This case study offers a combination of content analysis of secondary sources web sites and annual reports to profile online behaviour and practice for the museum sector. Using case analysis of 12 international and domestic museums, the role of services and the online interfaces offered in a museum context are presented. The arts and cultural sector sustaining museums has long been an essential part of enriching and informing the community of historical, scientific and artistic pleasures. The reduction in museum budgets, and the implementation of performance measures based on customer satisfaction management, museums face increasing pressure to attract wider audiences. This requires an understanding of visitor expectations, and experiences, and the identification of opportunities such as online channels to improve awareness and visitation. This case through the collation of data and analysis of 12 museums will present an overall view of current operations of museums internationally and their approach to online channels.