Over the next few months we will be regularly updating this page, illustrating a variety of interesting statistics that will offer a useful insight into work within museums, libraries and archives. Information is provided by the MLA Research Team and topics will range from volunteering to tourism.
Museums, libraries and archives website use
The development of digital media technologies are changing the way cultural organisations interact with their audiences offering new opportunities to develop a closer relationship and creating new ways for them to participate.
The DCMS Taking Part Survey showed that 83% of the English adult population or someone else in their household had access to the internet at home in 2009/10. Many cultural organisations now have websites that allow audiences to purchase tickets, renew and reserve books, search for information, preview shows and exhibitions and to take virtual tours.
Overall, 19% of all the population aged 16+ had visited a museum or gallery website compared to 11% for library websites and 11% for archive websites (2008/09). The chart below shows that there is significant variation by age. Those aged under 65 are significantly more likely to have visited a museum, library or archive website during the previous 12 months than those aged 65+.
Useful publications
Role of public libraries in supporting and promoting digital participation
MLA Reference Online: a milestone report
Building a society for all ages: Benefits for older people from learning in museums, libraries and archives
Useful case studies
East Sussex County Council Mobile Office
Essex Libraries E-Books
North East Archive Services Website
Streetmuseum app