IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON TRADITIONAL MUSEUM COLLECTION STORAGE AND MANAGEMENT

Technology is defined as a discipline that deals with the art or science of applying scientific knowledge to practical problems. Technology, since its invention has played very important roles in the field of humanities. Traditional method of storing museum collections in time past involved following accepted customs in ensuring that the museum collections were preserved from generation to generation. But, the traditional method exposes the museum collections to much vulnerability that threatens the conservation agenda of any museum. This means that museum collection storage involves more than a physical facility. It reflects the museum's roles and programmes in exhibition, education and research. The storage and conservation of many museum collections have received inadequate attention in the past, and in most cases are still receiving inadequate attention. In fact, probably more harm has been done to museum collections through improper storage than by any other means. It is crucial for the future of all museums, as the custodians of a substantial part of mankind‗s natural and cultural heritage, that steps be taken to improve storage practices and facilities. The culture of a community is an original creation, which manifests itself in every dimension of life – the everyday activities and the periodic events, involving the use of ordinary objects as well as the most sophisticated productions. Some museum collections are perishable resources that are not renewable and are at constant risk of permanent loss. Museums, libraries, galleries, and archives have traditionally been regarded as the guardians and gatekeepers of a nation's culture and have taken on the role of protecting heritage. So, for the traditional method to sustain durability there is need for its extension to incorporate the curation of technology. Most of the problems confronting traditional museum collections can be traced to a number of factors, among which are: (1) Poor administration and policies (2) Lack of finance and resources (3) Lack of interest and knowledge (4) Poor handling in transit and exhibition (5) Lack of security against threats, or any combination of these factors. Among the notable contributions of technology in preserving and conserving museum collections are: (1) Easy record accessibility and retrieval (2) Protection of artefacts against theft, fire, vandalism, temperature, humidity, and other hazards (3) Tourism and generation of income. Based on the aforementioned contributions of technology in the storage of museum collections, the objective of this paper is to appraise the impact of technology in museum collection storage, and, the maintenance culture of the digital storage media.