Read on Twitter
So, for this week's twitter nests, I wanted to discuss technology in the context of community collecting and ethics. I’ll be using this article ( https://www.museumsassociation.org/museums-journal/analysis/2020/04/03042020-how-are-museums-collecting-covid-19/) by Rebecca Atkinson ( @rebeccaa_ma) as the basis of my thoughts. #phstmu /1
Atkinson’s analysis discusses the statement released by the Museums Associations on collecting Covid-19 materials in an ethical &sensitive manner, as well as how various museums are approaching this issue. /2
Within the article is also a link to the Contemporary collecting ethical toolkit put out by the London Transport Museum, which also has further details on technological ethics. /3
A section in this tool kit dealing with technological ethics includes ensuring those whose photos are collected understand that “The digital creates a different sphere of record and potential for access that could, in some cases, outlive an object or a collection.” /4
This raises questions; should time limits be placed on how long digital items are held? Or is there an acceptance of the almost infinite nature of digital material? Should the ability to remove one's photo be included, and does the exclusion of such create hesitation to share? /5
Another concept to keep in mind comes from the included list of points by Jenny Shaw, from the Wellcome Collection in London, "Do nothing that exacerbates the crisis…respect the impact of the crisis.” /6
After months of Covid-19 related headlines, for example, there can be a desensitization to it's ongoing global impact. Another example would be documenting and collecting from a crisis that occurs in another country, or with a large distance between oneself and the disaster. /7
Another ethical note to keep in mind is whether or not there will be a need for a curated collection post crisis. Atkinson includes a quote from The Museum of Cardiff's Museum Manager: /8
" This material might not be of interest or wanted as soon as we're all allowed back out of our houses.” Is it still ethical to display potentially traumatic photos for the sake of documenting history, and if we do, what is the tactful way to proceed? /9
Atkinson's article showcases a look at how different museums are approaching the ethical collection, including digital collection methods, of a rapid response situation. I would encourage not only the viewing of her article, but the tool kit she provides a link to. /10
