Taking the new ‘Treasures of the Bodleian’ exhibition as a case study, this seminar explored the practical and philosophical aspects of creating an online exhibition. Discussion focused on: planning, digitization, narrative versus database, interactivity, social media and engagement.
1) This definition covers the wide range of solutions using varying technologies e.g. free flickr album to bespoke “bells and whistles” website 2) Online exhibition can be stand alone or in support of a physical exhibition space
Affordable in comparison to other techniques for display, esp. if free! Physical exhibition support via reach, longevity and even merchandise sales. Rich experience e.g. audio, video, interactives, image zoom etc Audience building – subscription opportunities Conversation - UGC
1) Who? E.g. expectations, level of prior knowledge etc
1) Based on Bodleian colours and fonts 2) Reflects modernity of Weston Library 3) Flexible design for multiple devices (width)
1) Users most important thing 2) Can talk about other issues related on online exhibitions all day but useless if what you produce doesn’t work for users
1) Almost the biggest part of the project 2) Content production takes longer than you think – plan well for it 2) Process of getting objects shot at the Bodleian and difficult objects, e.g. Herculaneum scrolls
Explain “narrative” and “database” Need to convey the story of the exhibition, absolutely, BUT Have to consider that you have no control over where people come onto the site and what they do when they are there Unlikely to behave in a straight line like a story Need to cater for this random landing pages and non-linear behaviour Also consider that people don’t respond well to having to drill down endlessly as linear narrative might dictate. This is where more responsive “database” can help Database can also be used to provide an element of “freshness” and “surprise” Search function needed for those who know what they want
1) Flat navigation – explore everything at one, top level and only need to leave page for deeper information 2) Surprise people – database – ‘More treasures’ and home page banner treasure random 3) Reduce drilling down 4) Provide and link into themes and narrative but don’t restrict or force the user to choose 5) Ensure everything makes sense outside of a hierarchical structure online 6) Conveyors and filters provide journey into themes 7) Allow ‘database’ to collate and promote UGC for freshness 7) Search included for people who know what they want
Introduction video for exhibition and debate 2) Podcasts in original languages and English and objects that benefit from reading (e.g. poems) 3) Content on relevant object pages but also collated (esp. useful for use in exhibition room where people interested in the ‘extra’) 4) Using technology to provide further levels of information and interpretation 5) Engagement 6) Different routes to discovery
Involvement / ownership for visitors Modern ‘conversational’ approach 3) Fascinating insight / market research for Bodleian 4) Collating and seeding to encourage participation - use of database to promote fresh content
Allow exhibition visitors to select an object for the opening exhibition of the Weston Library 2) List for general visitor but also free-format box for those with deeper knowledge of collections or deeper interest.
1) Images aid visual association and interpretation 2) “Prettier” and less of a sore thumb in room 3) Link online and offline offers 4) Encourage people to vote and comment
Pushing and monitoring via Twitter Twitter on home page For Bodleian, opportunity to disseminate and increase “followers” etc