Digital Museum Communication in Oman: Case Studies and Future Insights
摘要
This study sheds light on digital museum communication in the Sultanate of Oman. Adopting a descriptive-analytical method, this study conducts a content analysis of the official websites and Instagram pages of four Omani museums: the National Museum of Oman, Oman Across Ages Museum, Bait Al Zubair Foundation, and Place and People Museum, analysing 681 Instagram posts over one year, 2024/25. The study explored the nature of digital content and communicative strategies, including information, persuasion, dialogue, and consensus-building, based on Van Roller's framework. Findings indicate that each museum has a distinct digital identity and employs various strategies. Opportunities lie in the depth enhancement of content, interactivity, technical performance, and strategic congruence. Suggestions are made for real-time, searchable digital catalogs that incorporate historical narratives, technical performance, and unique digital footprints. Lastly, greater cross-institutional collaboration, audience research, and transparent digital strategies need to be present in the development of digital museum communication for Oman. Museums must employ digital technologies as complementary tools of learning, interaction, and community engagement.