Enhancing Online Accessibility of Digitized Artifacts from Small Museum Collections in Cyprus: An Empirical Evaluation of the CyprusArk Solution

Abstract

Small museums play a pivotal role in the Cyprus cultural landscape by carefully safeguarding and curating historical artifacts, thereby showcasing the country's rich heritage. However, in order to enhance accessibility to a wider audience, it is crucial to make these objects available online. This research aims to explore the effectiveness of the CyprusArk solution (a high-fidelity prototype) in enhancing the online presence of digitized artifacts within Cypriot small museums. By collecting and analyzing qualitative data from six out of ten classified as small museums, the study aims to demonstrate the potential of such solutions, specifically designed for small museums in Cyprus. CyprusArk is a Content Management System, serving as a stand-alone platform for each museum. Instances of the solution will be hosted, supported, and maintained at a Cyprus national infrastructure in a high-performance computer facility (HPC), at The Cyprus Institute (CyI). The study has broader implications for the global museum sector, as it showcases the potential of new digital tools to enhance online access to cultural heritage resources and contribute to the dissemination of information “knowledge” among the broader population.