The Google Cultural Institute: Tools for Libraries, Archives, and Museums

Abstract

In 2011, Google launched the Google Art Project, an ever-growing repository of artworks from Museums around the globe, quickly followed by the expanded Google Cultural Institute. Efforts like these with the cultural sector use a combination of Google technologies and expert information provided by partner institutions to create unique online experiences. Spurred on by our partners, we've been adding features to our platform - content hosting, embeddable image viewers, exhibit creation tools - and making Google technology work for Museums - high-resolution imaging, mobile publishing, and experiments in VR. Building these projects requires a deep understanding of library, archival, and museum practices and standards as well as providing tools that can be used by a wide array of partners at different stages of cataloging and digitization. So, how are we doing? We'll discuss reactions to the work so far, present some of our latest attempts to do more with cultural heritage online, and talk about how Google would like to further engage with cultural partners.