Importance of digitization and integration of paper-based documentation in museums

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the importance of museum documentation in paper form, which includes various types of documentation related to museum objects, and to explore its position and role in the context of comprehensive documentation of cultural heritage. The next objective is to understand the attitudes of the curators towards paper-based documentation and to provide insight into existing practices and the needs of the curator regarding paper-based documentation. The purpose of the research is to examine the adequate forms of its integration into the documentation system in terms of adherence to the principle of continuity of museum documentation and to explore the possibilities of speeding up and improving the process of computer-based registration and cataloguing of museum material through the digitization of paper-based documentation.Methodology/approach: This paper will provide a theoretical and legislative framework related to preserving the continuity of museum documentation. A blueprint for future empirical research, which will be conducted in two stages, will be presented. In the first phase, an exploratory qualitative research method (focus group) will be applied. In the second phase, a quantitative methodology (survey) will be implemented. The survey method will test research questions on a larger sample of curators so that the results can be generalised to the curator population in Croatia.Results: A relevant theoretical framework and literature review are provided, as well as examples of digitization and integration of paper-based documentation at the Zagreb City Museum. The plan of the empirical research is presented in detail.Research limitations: As the topic is under-researched, exploratory research will identify key thematic units and issues for quantitative research.Originality/practical implications: The originality of the paper is reflected in the fact that this is the first time that the role of paper-based documentation has been explored in detail. The applicability of the research is high because it can be replicated in other countries or in an international context. Thus, it can provide valuable guidance in determining priorities related to digitization of old documentation and its integration into museum information systems. This paper explores and elaborates on the benefits of digitizing old documentation to increase the level of computer-based cataloguing, that is, reduce documentation backlogs and establish the continuity of museum documentation.