Implementation of the Digital Transformation of Museum Collection Management Processes in the City of Yaounde – Cameroon

Abstract

Objective: the aim of this article is to present the contributions of digital transformation to the process of managing museum collections. Methodology: this study is descriptive and analytical. It focuses on the "implementation of digital transformation in the management of museum collections in the city of Yaoundé, Cameroon". The research itself, along with direct and participant observations, took place from 1 February to 30 March 2022. The qualitative research made it possible to take stock of the conservation of collections in the museums of Blackitude, the Fondation Salomon Tandeng Muna (FSTM) in the district of Yaoundé 1, and the Bénédictins - in the district of Yaoundé 2, the political capital of Cameroon, which is also the experimental zone. The collection and analysis of non-quantifiable data led to the following results. Results: Digitised collections, websites, virtual spaces... these are just a few examples of the multitude and variety of systems that have gradually become part of the museum world. However, museums in general, and those in sub-Saharan Africa in particular, still face challenges that cannot be managed manually. These include the organisational and technical changes brought about by the use of digital technology, and the financial problems that arise when museums have to manage themselves. Digital technology is bringing new business models to the fore. Lastly, there is the problem of employability for young people, because according to the experts, 80% of digital jobs are still unknown to the public. Conclusion: The use of digital technology in the management of museum collections is leading to organisational changes in both the conservation and display of collections, new working methods, a new economic model, new professions (IT security, digital hanging, digital labelling, etc.) and those that will remain unchanged (cleaning, disinsectisation).