Museums as intermediaries of memory in the digital age

Abstract

In the age of digital cameras, social networks, big data and self-representation: What is the role of the museum as a custodian of memory? This article looks into the intersections and dialogs between museum and digital media, as managers and channels of social memory. It will approach the challenges of integrating new technologies in exhibitions and as learning tools, focusing on processes of collective creation of meaning. It will review trends in virtual museums and restrictions regarding the opening of different collections. Finally, it will discuss the museum's challenges as negotiator in processes of co-curation and co-production of content with communities.

Key words: Museum, digital technologies, virtual museum, co-creation, social memory, coproduced content, community mediation.