The goal we have with any tech project at the museum is to clearly see a path where the project can transform from duty to outlet for the content creator.  We look to see where creating content on behalf of the museum would be a natural and positive addition to their workload, skill set or reputation. After we’ve identified that, we enter a period of varying length where I handhold that creator until he or she feels confident to do the job, both in terms of the technology involved and in terms of speaking as a voice for our institution.  This may involve making the project private (or staff-only) for a period of time, or it may involve us sitting together side-by-side creating content together until he or she gets the hang of it.   Once they feel confident, I let go.  I’m there for moral support and cheerleading, but otherwise I trust them completely.  This last part is required because their creations are better when they take risks and risks are harder to take if the trust and support isn’t there. It’s my goal to have everyone at my museum trust that I’d have their back if they made a mistake or took a risk that backfired.  I consider it a success, even, when that happens because it means they’re pushing us to do new things – and they’re giving me the opportunity to deliver on my promise to support them.

The goal we have with any tech project at the museum is to clearly see a path where the project can transform from duty to outlet for the content creator.  We look to see where creating content on behalf of the museum would be a natural and positive addition to their workload, skill set or reputation.

After we’ve identified that, we enter a period of varying length where I handhold that creator until he or she feels confident to do the job, both in terms of the technology involved and in terms of speaking as a voice for our institution.  This may involve making the project private (or staff-only) for a period of time, or it may involve us sitting together side-by-side creating content together until he or she gets the hang of it.  

Once they feel confident, I let go.  I’m there for moral support and cheerleading, but otherwise I trust them completely.  This last part is required because their creations are better when they take risks and risks are harder to take if the trust and support isn’t there. It’s my goal to have everyone at my museum trust that I’d have their back if they made a mistake or took a risk that backfired.  I consider it a success, even, when that happens because it means they’re pushing us to do new things – and they’re giving me the opportunity to deliver on my promise to support them.