Physical Access to Photographic Collections in the Era of Digitization
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Authors
Bradley, Brittany Rose
Issue Date
2016
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
This project builds on the existing literature related to physical collections access under the constraints of photographic collections materials in an age when digital access has become an increasingly popular occurrence. This Master's project looks at the relevance of making photographic collections physically accessible in a digital age. It posses questions about when to make physical accessibility a priority, who we should extend opportunities for physical access to and what purpose physical accessibility serves the communities interested in photographic materials?
In addition to a literature review, this project is guided by the completion of two methodological studies: Interviews with Museum Professionals concerned with caring for and providing access to photographic collections and Case Studies at six institutions currently building or managing rooms or study centers built specifically to serve as physical access points to photographic collections materials. This study was initiated in order to examine the following; 1) to discover if and how museums are fostering access to photographic collections; 2) to determine who museums extend physical accessibility privileges to; 3) to consider the role that physical accessibility to collections materials plays in museum engagement and visitor experience; 4) to examine how museums are providing physical access to photographic collections and if digital accessibility is the predominate avenue in which this is occurring.