In July this year, the Collections Trust took a bold new step into the world of mobile technologies, with the launch of their MuseumsUK app.
These days the whole world appears to be going ‘app’ – so Modes team take a look to find out how our users can benefit.
We spoke to Timothy Keen of the Collections Trust to find out more.Tim said:
“There are three versions of the MuseumsUK app – for iOS, Windows and Android platforms – all of which are managed through a simple online interface. The app is designed to help museums and galleries promote themselves to a wider public. There is no cost to do this, and the app is free to download.
“MuseumsUK delivers up-to-date information about each museum/gallery signed-up to the database. And as well as general information, this might also include details of current or forthcoming exhibitions, events, learning resources or specific collections. The scope for this is incredible. It captures much of what each museum is offering – and you can access all of this through a single application.”
This is great news for families or anyone doing a lot of research or travelling. The tool pulls in real-time information, local to your geographic location at any specific point. Subject to you enabling location access permissions on your device, and it does, of course, rely on each museum keeping their online information up-to-date.
It is promoted as a must-have app for art and culture lovers – and will be even more so as its database grows – potentially enabling access to all the ‘what’s on’ information you might ever need at your fingertips.
So how was the idea for the app conceived?
“The original idea came out of a partnership based on the sector relationships of the Collections Trust and the design and technology expertise of SPECTRUM Partner Semantika. To ensure it would be a good fit for the real needs of business, we galvanised support from a number of museums around the UK.
“Many of these were again involved with us at the app launch in July, when we promoted Hidden Treasures. This is a national initiative to celebrate collections in UK museums and archives, which is run in partnership with the Independent newspaper. More than 70 museums and galleries nationwide offered a unique opportunity for the public to see collections not usually on public display.
“Primarily the Museums UK app offers organisations the opportunity to grow the digital profiles of their museums, galleries, collections, activities or events. It also offers collaboration opportunities for organisations to work together, to grow new audiences.”
How to register
We would like to encourage our Modes Users to sign-up to feature on this database. So how can this be done?
“Registering your museum on MuseumsUK and keeping your information up-to-date takes a few minutes and is all done through one simple web form. To register, please email info@semantika.si with the subject line ‘Access request: MuseumsUK’ and the name of your museum.
“We may need to verify your identity (particularly if your email address does not correspond to the web address of your museum), and once this is done you will receive a unique login ID and password.
“If your museum has already put information into the Culture Grid, we will probably already have a basic listing for you on MuseumsUK. In this case, all you will need to do is make and changes or corrections and publish the information to make it live on the app!”
Facts & Figures
The Windows8 version of the app is currently receiving 15 downloads per day and has an average rating of 4.5 stars. The iOS app is receiving 5-6 downloads per day, and the Android downloads are gradually increasing. In total, the app was used 18,500 times during September & October.
Download the app – it’s easy!
The app is available to use on mobile or tablet platforms for – Android, iPhone, iPad, Windows 8, Windows RT, and Windows Phone.
More information is available on PlayStore, iTunes, Windows Phone and Windows.
Queries or Questions?
If you have any questions or queries or would like to know more, please contact Collections Trust at http://www.modes.org.uk/contact/get-in-touch.html
Source: http://www.modes.org.uk/news/latest-posts/2013/11/29/museumsuk-app-%E2%80%93-go-mobile/
