On updating Galleria Borghese’s online presence through the application of the International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF).

Abstract

New computational tools have been developed, especially in the latest years, for the study of artworks and their histories, and for conservational purposes. Moreover, the use of digital resources and methodologies has created both opportunities and challenges for research centres, and GLAM institutions, which cannot ignore the importance of such technologies when engaging with communities. Cultural organisations have in fact drastically improved their online presence, focusing on the digitisation of their collections aiming both at preserving their resources and making them accessible to a wider audience. This dissertation investigates museums and how their collections are presented virtually. It explores a number of museums’ online platforms, discussing the advantages and limitations that have emerged in response to their digitisation. Since images are a key point of online cultural platforms, this study provides insight into IIIF, International Image Interoperability Framework, a community developing and implementing a set of open standards for delivering high-quality pictures, which can be considered a new and complementary instrument to facilitate users and scholars. It will finally delve into the adoption of IIIF by the Galleria Borghese, which is part of a bigger project aiming at updating the museum’s online presence, focusing on its modelling and how such digital tools can add value to cultural resources.