E–Museums: Investing for the Future FARIDAH NOOR MOHD NOOR University of Malaya, MALAYSIA Chair, APAN eCulture Working Group PNC 2011 Bangkok October 2011

Introduction  To address the contributions of eMuseums in meeting the challenges of climate change  Present a case for the move towards eMuseums, especially G2G sharing of initiatives FNMN/UM Malaysia PNC October 2011 Bangkok,Thailand 2

A Case for eMuseums eMuseums:  Address preservation issues now for the future FNMN/UM Malaysia PNC October 2011 Bangkok,Thailand 3

eMuseums: Addressing preservation issues now for the future  Address Climate Change Challenges  Physical museums are faced with threats:  Man-mad disaster  Unpredictable natural disasters  Unstoppable destructive natural disasters  Sustainable  Regular maintenance of website and content  Greener approach to museums FNMN/UM Malaysia PNC October 2011 Bangkok,Thailand 4

Traditional Museums vs eMuseums  Overview of the contributions of traditional (physical) museums to society  do eMuseums provide similar (if not more) contributions? FNMN/UM Malaysia PNC October 2011 Bangkok,Thailand 5

Definition of Museums  The Federal Government in the Museum and Library Services Act  The International Council of Museums (ICOM)  American Association of Museums FNMN/UM Malaysia PNC October 2011 Bangkok,Thailand 6

The Federal Government in the Museum and Library Services Act A public or private nonprofit agency or institution organized on a permanent basis for essentially educational or aesthetic purposes, which, utilizing a professional staff, owns or utilizes tangible objects, cares for them, and exhibits them to the public on a regular basis. FNMN/UM Malaysia PNC October 2011 Bangkok,Thailand 7

The International Council of Museums (ICOM)  “A non-profitmaking, permanent institution in the service of society and of its development, and open to the public, which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits, for purposes of study, education and enjoyment, material evidence of people and their environment.” FNMN/UM Malaysia PNC October 2011 Bangkok,Thailand 8

American Association of Museums "Museums, as essential contributors to our educational infrastructure, play a critical role in engaging the public in environmental issues, with a unique ability to connect all Americans to the great 21st century challenge of ensuring a sustainable planet for generations to come. The American Association of Museums will encourage our member institutions to put their scholarship and creativity behind Earth Day and its 40 th anniversary.” Ford W. Bell President, American Association of Museums ( FNMN/UM Malaysia PNC October 2011 Bangkok,Thailand 9

Contribution of museums “unique contribution to the public by collecting, preserving, and interpreting the things of this world.” AAM - American Association of Museums FNMN/UM Malaysia PNC October 2011 Bangkok,Thailand 10

eMuseums: Similar functions and more  Provide similar functions of a [physical] museum and more:  Provide “unique service” to the society virtually  Open for public viewing regularly 24/7 – u-museums  Exhibit contents across borders – a cost- saving measure (eTourism)  Provide and preserves digital proof of people and their surroundings  Educate with aesthetic images (2D and 3 D) FNMN/UM Malaysia PNC October 2011 Bangkok,Thailand 11

eMuseums – A Public Entity  Repositories of digital images of cultural assets  Keepers of precious records of heritage for the future generations to retrieve  Links to the historical past through digitised images – invaluable connections to the glorious past FNMN/UM Malaysia PNC October 2011 Bangkok,Thailand 12

eMuseums: Current  Technology - today with the present technology for digitalisation -  Updates - Showcase digitised artifacts  Edutainment - Add music, color and dg magic to engage their visitors  Move with the times - More attractive for younger people to appreciate museums FNMN/UM Malaysia PNC October 2011 Bangkok,Thailand 13

Malaysian Museums: A Case in Point  Over 80 museums (State and private)  State funded museums - 13 states  Over 80% with websites  Some with 2-D digital images of artifacts / textiles  PNC 2011\Data\www_malaysian- museums_org.pdf PNC 2011\Data\www_malaysian- museums_org.pdf FNMN/UM Malaysia PNC October 2011 Bangkok,Thailand 14

Sarawak State Museum FNMN/UM Malaysia PNC October 2011 Bangkok,Thailand 15 PNC 2011\Sarawak Museum Malaysia.pdf

Future scenarios of emuseums  Let’s initiate a consortium of emuseums  Work as repositories of each other’s bank of digital images  Pass on the eMuseum spirit FNMN/UM Malaysia PNC October 2011 Bangkok,Thailand 16

Pass on the eMuseum Spirit  eMuseum Movement help create G2G awareness as the voice of individuals are often not heard by countries that have yet to realise the importance and relevance of e- museums for the future  Link up and share resources - Partnership/Sister eMuseums  Leverage on Private Cloud Infrastructure: eg. Storage and Disaster Recovery FNMN/UM Malaysia PNC October 2011 Bangkok,Thailand 17

To conclude  If you love your museum collection, go towards eMuseums  Consider eMuseums as new edge of technology to preserve cultural heritage  Form a consortium for eMuseum initiatives – G2G can boost the eMuseum movement FNMN/UM Malaysia PNC October 2011 Bangkok,Thailand 18

Support your local museums towards becaoming eMuseums Terima kasih Thanks for listening FNMN/UM Malaysia PNC October 2011 Bangkok,Thailand 19