Abstract
What effects can museums expect from putting a database or catalogue of their collection online? While many museums do provide some sort of catalogue in order to improve access, there is still a great deal of doubt as to what are the actual effects and how the catalogue is being used. Some fear it will reduce visitor numbers or wonder how many more enquiries they will receive. By bringing together survey research with information from other studies this paper sheds light on effects on museums and on visitors. It is concluded that although much more methodological research is necessary to understand the visitors’ uses of online catalogues, it can be said that they can have a positive influence on museums. Most importantly visitor numbers are not reduced. Museums should be aware, though, that careful planning is essential, coordinating target audiences and aims with design and contents.
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