Smithsonian 2.0 Forum
The two-day Smithsonian 2.0 conference in January generated key questions and suggestions about Smithsonian's digital future. To address these questions and suggestions, examine emerging themes, and continue the discussion generated during the conference, we are holding a forum to discuss some of these. The program is structured into three discussions and will include time for questions and comments by staff. The agenda and discussion themes are below.
Location:
Carmichael Auditorium, National Museum of American History
Webcast available (Windows Media Player 7 or higher)
Contributions and ongoing discussions are welcome on the public Smithsonian 2.0 blog and wiki.
Date and Time: Tuesday, April 21, 2 - 4 p.m.
Introduction: Secretary Clough
Moderator: Richard Kurin, Under Secretary for History, Art, and Culture
Discussion 1: All Access vs. Controlled Access
We should put as much stuff out there as we can for people to react to and manipulate as they wish.
Presenter: Betsy Broun, Director, Smithsonian American Art Museum
or
We should curatorially control information we release on the Web so that it is properly understood.
Presenter: Hans Sues, Associate Director, National Museum of Natural History
Discussion 2: Strategize vs. Explore
We need to develop our Smithsonian Web sites strategically, carefully investing our resources and focusing our efforts to rationalize our offerings and maximize our impact.
Presenter: Allen Kane, Director, National Postal Museum
or
We should allow different people from different units around the Smithsonian to run their own sites, experiment and explore a range of possibilities on the Web.
Presenter: Caroline Payson, Director of Education, Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum
Discussion 3: Free vs. Charge a Fee
We are a federal entity and a public organization-we should give our Web content to users for free to the extent that we can.
Presenter: Lauryn Guttenplan, Associate General Counsel
or
We need to earn revenue to support the Institution and monetize our Web presence through sales, licensing, downloads, advertising or other means.
Presenter: Richard Burgess, Director of Marketing, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
We encourage you to continue the dialogue and post your comments on the Smithsonian 2.0 blog. The ideas and discussions that emerge from the forum will contribute to developing the Institution's Web and New Media strategy, as well as inform the overarching Smithsonian strategic plan.