Exhibit.so and IIIF Integration

https://www.exhibit.so/exhibits/wqwVMqUpRpGXBjjPaHzW

I decide to take a closer look at Exhibit.so to review its advantages and disadvantages for broader use in museums and institutions. I did not really face too many challenges working with or interacting with the Exhibit.so system. I found it to be quite easy to navigate and manipulate. The system offers editable templates so if the user is not sure where to begin, they can start there and make changes as needed, or they can just jump in and start using how they like. I like how easy it is to change the font size to create headings or type as normal text. Users can also change the background and text color to compliment the subject or create a visual esthetic or emotion they could hope to elicit from the audience. In addition, I like there was an option to change the formatting, whether the user prefers, slides, scroll or kiosk interaction, and can even create a quiz. I also found it comforting that it is so simple to edit or remove anything that is no longer needed or desired in the exhibit. The one negative that I found in using Exhibit.so is that if you forget to copy and save the link to an exhibit you have started, it is difficult to find again as there is no search option. At that point you have no other option but to start over in creating the exhibit. 

Some of the benefits of wider adoptions of Exhibit.so across museums is that, of course, it allows the public to view objects from a variety of collections remotely. This can be particularly beneficial when physical exhibitions are either not cost efficient or practical or when reaching a wider audience is a goal. However, a not so obvious benefit is if one were to share the created exhibit with others in edit mode, the viewer can add to and expand on the information that is presented. This can improve audience engagement because the exhibit creator could invite viewers to contribute antidotes or information that would make viewing a more personal experience. For instance, if a viewer has seen the object in person they can contribute and relay that experience for others to share. LAM Professionals and institutions can also use Exhibit.so to keep exhibits fresh and relevant. This system also keeps data analytics on visitor behavior so LAM professionals can use this information to gain insights into what parts of their collections are most popular, chart visitor demographics, and engagement levels. This information can be used to inform future curation decisions and outreach strategies. Which would allow them to ensure that their collections and exhibits are available to a more diverse and inclusive audience. Also, this system is free to use so institutions can reallocate money allocated to digital exhibits into more in-house interactive exhibitions. LAM professionals can work together on virtual exhibitions, sharing expertise and resources with professionals from around the world in the most cost-effective way. 

As a teacher, I was drawn to the idea of how interesting this would be to use in a classroom. It could be used as an alternative to the traditional PowerPoint presentation and is more engaging and interactive than the former. One of the things that has always fascinated me as former art and education major is how through every period of history there is some form of art (drawing, painting, sculpture, architecture) that represents, is influenced by and is indicative of what was going on in that period. Educators could use this in creating history lessons and could assign students to make their own exhibits to demonstrate understanding of concepts. Moreover, LAM professionals can create online exhibits to provide supplementary materials for students and educators whether in schools, universities, or informal learning settings. I know this would be a valuable resource to incorporate in Homeschooling programs. 

I think one of the main challenges to implementing this system is aside from addressing the issue of the digital divide is insuring accuracy of the exhibit. The reputation of a museum might be damaged by inaccuracies in the data supplied, such as false historical facts or inaccurate attributions. That is one thing that would have to be diligently monitored should the institution allow public engagement through contribution. I can imagine this would require hiring a team to virtually curate the exhibit on a regular basis. Along with investments into infrastructure, cybersecurity, and regular updates to ensure there are not any technical issues, such as server outages or glitches, that can disrupt the visitor experience. Also, as mentioned before, there is no way to search for a particular exhibit. This means the link to the exhibit must be directly shared with the audience. This could be remedied by embedding the link on a website or even a social media post, but the institution would have to make certain that navigating to the link is effortless or it may deter users. 

Given the circumstances, by integrating Exhibit.so into their digital collections services, LAM professionals can take advantage of digital technology’s capacity to reach a wider audience, deliver better services, and preserve and present their priceless collections in fresh and interesting ways. However, while maximizing these advantages, it is crucial to solve the problems brought on by using any of the digital systems we have studied, such as accessibility, security, and content quality.