Online access and education
Many collecting organisations make collection records and information about significant collections available online. Increasingly, these organisations are inviting members of the public to contribute knowledge about displayed collections. A good example is the Powerhouse Museum Collection Search.[1] The growing availability of collection records online assists in the comparative analysis that is essential to significance assessment.
Significance, digital access and education
Statements of significance have educational potential to share the meaning of collections with users across Australia and the world. The Powerhouse Museum’s website explores the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games through the lens of the design and creative processes that were central to the image and identity of the games.[2]
Olympic torch, used by Cathy (Catherine) Freeman Sydney 2000 Olympics, metal, designed by Blue Sky Design, made by GA & L Harrington, c. 2000. Part of the Sydney 2000 Games Collection. Gift of the New South Wales Government, 2001 2001/84/267
Photo: Marinco Kojdanovski. Reproduced courtesy of the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney
The website includes a database of 700 items, all with engaging statements of significance, linked to design education modules. It contains interview transcripts and audio files, zoomable images and high resolution panoramas. The result is a website that provides extraordinary access to the collection, bringing to life many of the memorable icons of the Games, as well as delving into the design processes behind their creation.
Click HERE to see an excerpt from the statement of significance.
[1] Powerhouse Museum Collection Search, viewed 15 March 2009, <http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/collection/database.>.
[2] Sydney 2000 Games Collection, viewed 15 March 2009, <http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/sydney2000games/>.
