On the importance of digital access to cultural collections
Let’s start with the citizen. She wants digital access to the things in our collections, in a way and at a time that suits her, and at no cost. Furthermore, she wants to be able to use that digital material to do whatever she likes. So once we decide to digitise our collections, that’s all easy and OK, isn’t it? Well, no it’s not, for a range of reasons, both good and bad. Now, let’s go to the gallery or museum worker or volunteer who really does want to meet the needs of com