The use of IST applications in Catalan museums: A comparative evaluation carried out at the Museum-Monastery of Sant Cugat del Vallès

Abstract

This article presents some preliminary conclusions on the use of information society technologies (IST) as communication tools in Catalan museums, drawn from a research project that was undertaken jointly by the University of Manchester and the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona. The general aim of the project was to widen the understanding of the specific usefulness of technology for exhibitions. We evaluated an exhibition in the United Kingdom and a second exhibition in Catalonia, by interviewing staff, observing and interviewing visitors and holding a round table discussion with museum experts. The general conclusion was that the integration of technological applications might ultimately depend on the museological tradition of the country, which influences the use and perceptions of technologies. The article also describes empirical data for Catalonia and guidelines for future applications.