Digital Systems

I had plenty of challenges while using this system. It took me a while to find where everything is and how to use it. I was not sure whether to put my 1000 words in the exhibit.so or somewhere else. I was pretty sick when I was working on the exhibit.so that is why I think I was so confused about the directions, even after reading and rereading the directions. I found the video conference was very helpful because I could not remember how to even get to exhibit.so and where to go from there. I had trouble with the word count as well. I found that I didn’t have much to say after around 550 to 600 words.

I tried to use the IIIF British Library link that was discussed in the video conference, but it did not work multiple times. I am not sure if it was my computer or the website itself that was the issue, but after several attempts at trying to access the British Library IIIF, I had to find another resource. I know that I did not have to use this specific IIIF from the British Library, but since that was what was discussed in the video conference, it felt more comfortable for me to use. I eventually used the North Carolina University IIIF. It took many times to figure out how to get the correct link for the IIIF. I kept using the wrong link and could not remember the correct way to format the IIIF Manifest URL and import it to the exhibit.so. I first used different things for the IIIF Manifest URL: the url under the share tab, the url under the embed tab, then the url at the top of the page for both of these. I accidently clicked the bolded IIIF symbol and it took me to the page of code. I copied and pasted the code before remembering I needed to use the url at the top of the page. It was a frustrating process, but I finally managed to figure it out. 

After that, it was a simple process of selecting random pictures, although I chose a topic that seemed kind of interesting to me. I wasn’t sure how many pictures to add to the exhibit and couldn’t find anywhere that mentioned an amount so I kept it simple. Some benefits of a wider adoption of this system are that it has good reviews, it is simple to use once you have everything figured out, and it is easy for presentations. There are four different options for layout, which make it good for different types of presentations.  Everyone usually prefers a specific style for learning so it can be adapted for different people. It is also very simple to set up. Normally you have to make passwords and create accounts, but you do not have to for this platform, which makes things so much similar and less frustrating. 

These technologies can improve audience engagement as well as benefit LAM professionals and institutions by providing more resources that people can use. With the rise of technology came various options as companies are trying to compete with each other to be the best and sell the most. With all of these options, it can be an overwhelming experience to find the best system to use. Similar to those who have a preference with specific types of presentation, people also have specific platforms that they prefer to use over others. I have never used a platform like this so I really cannot say if it is the best or better than others of its kind. Some challenges of implementing this system broadly are due to this system not being able to function well if multiple users are on it at the same time, I would say that this needs to be adapted or fixed if museums are to utilize it. If the website will not work when people try to access it, the museum will look unprofessional and may lose people’s interest. Museums are supposed to be well managed and organized, so when something does not work, it makes the organization look bad. If this is fixed then museums using exhibit.so would be beneficial for them.