The Curation of Transition

Abstract

New technologies have transformed information storage and retrieval procedures in museums. The challenge for curators is not only to have quality collections information for internal collections management, but is also to avail it to their users through public spaces such as exhibition halls and the World Wide Web. This paper discusses the challenges encountered during the transition from a manual to an electronic documentation system in the Ethnology Division of the Botswana National Museum. The advantages of digital systems such as collections availability through the Internet though crucial to the museum users, remain a challenge for museum communities in Botswana where Internet availability is beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. The analysis of the Division's documentation system revealed that the problem of insufficient collections information in manual records was transferred to the electronic system, which resulted in an ineffective electronic system. The recommendations are that firstly, clear documentation procedures must be formulated, adopted and documented to guide collections staff in their work. Secondly, in their quest to adopt new technologies, museums especially in developing countries, must still seek to be relevant to their communities. In conclusion, new technologies should be implemented after pre-computerization evaluation and needs assessment processes for effective information dissemination and community bridging purposes.