Into the Future with GLAM Labs

GLAM Labs are one of the most significant and disruptive influences on cultural heritage organisations in the age of digital production and transformation. All over the world, institutions are witnessing the value and dynamism Labs bring to their collections, making them more accessible, used, shared and enjoyed by their users. Labs are living, progressive and transformational. They push boundaries, open up new perspectives, create content and encourage engagement with communities.

People who work in Labs are passionate and energetic. They explore and exploit innovative technologies, push them to their limits, break, fix, mix and publish them, and this is what makes these Labs such a strong community force and a driver of change. Machines alone cannot do what Labs do; human-centred creative skills make technologies truly engaging, useful and inspirational.

Embracing openness can be challenging but it is essential for the Lab's success and requires bold commitment. It invites collaboration, which is a catalyst for transformational change throughout the GLAM sector. Shared experiments, innovation and development in Labs helps institutions to explore their next steps, to improve services, collections, methods and approaches.

Technology is going to continue to change at a pace that can be hard for people and institutions to follow — but it is inevitable that they do. Labs explore, experiment and prepare for wide-scale adoption of emerging technologies, creating value from what can be an uncomfortable, fast-paced technological change.

Labs are the missing link between technology, people and communities. If Labs are supported and empowered, GLAMs and their communities will benefit from a more connected, open, innovative and inclusive future.

Open a GLAM Lab!