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+.

Museums, libraries and archives website use statistics graphic

Useful publications

Digital audiences: engagement with arts and culture online

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

Latest News

Responsibilities transfer

From 1st October 2011, this site will not be updated, so please treat it as the static archive it is. This is because <a target="_Blank" href="http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/">Arts Council England</a> has now taken over museums and libraries responsibilities. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/">The National Archives</a> has assumed responsibility for strategic leadership of the Archives sector. Arts Council responsibilities will also now include the Renaissance programme, Museum Accreditation, and Library Development, together with cultural property services such as Export Licensing and the Acceptance in Lieu scheme. The National Archives has assumed responsibility for providing strategic leadership to the archives sector and advising government on its development. The MLA is now winding down, with a skeleton staff remaining until May 2012 to complete the management of existing Renaissance contracts, complete outstanding financial and contractual arrangements and prepare for the appointment of a liquidator. This website will remain live until 31st March so that the public still has full access to the material on it – good practice case studies, toolkits, guidance and a range of other publications. Continue reading