Digital Practices and Strategies of Western United States Museums during the COVID-19 Pandemic
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Date
2020-12
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Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic forced museums globally to shut their doors, yet many continued to extend content and resources through virtual means. This paper highlights some of the efforts of museums in the Western United States as they have pivoted digitally through educational resources, digital programming, virtual exhibit tours, and enhanced collections access. Further discussion of five museums of different institutional types provide a deeper look into the policies, strategies, and pre-existing practices that aided in the quick turnaround from physical to digital. As many museums were pressed for time in content development and its release, this paper concludes with recommendations for policies and procedures that will help prepare museums for a successful virtual future.
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COVID-19, digital engagement, virtual museum, digital strategy