Mapping the museum digital skills ecosystem: phase one report

'One by One' leverages interdisciplinary scholarship to understand how to deliver a transformative framework for museum workforce digital literacy. The objective of the first phase of the project has been to map how digital skills are currently supplied, developed and deployed in the UK museum sector, and to pinpoint current changes in the demand around these skills. Key findings: (1) There are different practices in how digital responsibilities and skills are distributed, managed and shared across UK museums; (2) Digital is increasingly seen as part of everyone's skill set and all roles have some kind of digital element; (3) Digital is becoming professionalised in the museum as digital roles and responsibilities become standard practice; (4) As digital becomes institutionalised, museums are restructuring and evolving; (5) Museums are exploring, learning and demanding new digital skills as they innovate and create with digital; (6) There is a deeper understanding by museums of the digital skills, knowledge and expertise needed, as they reflect on the current and potential future of the museum; (7) Museums are engaging increasingly in evidence-based digital practice as data from web analytics and social media accounts are being reflected upon and used in decision-making processes; (8) Currently, there is little evidence that museums are systematically assessing and identifying digital skills needs; (9) There is little evidence of in-house formal and planned training around digital skills or digital literacy. However, informal and ad hoc training to upskill and reskill staff and volunteers is being provided. Much development activity around digital is informal, with staff supporting each other and sharing skills; and (10) There is evidence of an assumption in museums that 'digital skills' relate to a specific set of technical competencies. This can create a relationship with digital that is reactive, resulting in low digital literacy across the museum. However, importantly, there is also evidence showing that the museum sector has the potential and intention to adapt.