The Museum’s collection database went live in mid-2006, making the entire collection available online for the first time. The goal was to create a user-friendly experience for all citizens, to search and browse the collection. To this end, the collection features a simple search box, the ability to browse using the museum’s taxonomy, but also the opportunity for citizens to add their own tags, which are used to enhance the discoverability of collection items.
Given that there are far more objects viewable online than there ever are in the museum at any one time, the online collection is a way of making the bulk of our museum research accessible to citizens.
Alternate versions
URL
http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/collection/database/
Established by
The Powerhouse Museum
Started on
June 2006
Outcomes
In 2008, the collection database won the gold Muse award, presented by The American Association of Museums media and technology committee. For more information, head to: http://www.mediaandtechnology.org/muse/2008_onlinepresence.html
The collection continues to attract media attention, and was most recently featured in the ABC TV series 'Not Quite Art' with Marcus Westbury.
Since launch in 2006, the collection has now received over 100 million object views from visitors worldwide.
Addition details or information
Semantic content analysis is deployed using the Open Calais Tools. User generated tags combine with the museum's taxonomy to enhance search and discoverability. The collection database is shared via a live Opensearch RSS feed and is also available for download under a Creative Commons license.
http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/collection/database/download.php
Categories
Topics: Technology.
Types: Gov 2.0.
Jurisdictions: New South Wales and State.