What does GLAM mean?

The collaboration between museums, archives, and libraries recurs in both theories and practices based on the assumption that the three types of organizations, sharing the mission of conserving and enhancing the cultural heritage they collect, address the same communities, offer similar services, and share work practices.

In Italy, since 2011 there has been GLAM, «a permanent coordination to explore the prospects of convergence between the professions and institutions in which archive, library, and museum professionals operate», created by AIB (Associazione italiana biblioteche), ANAI (Associazione nazionale archivistica italiana) and ICOM (International Council of Museum, Italia). These institutions, in fact, face overlapping challenges on a daily basis, from technological transformations to social changes, which affect how heritage is organized, managed, and made accessible.

It is with the advancement of digital technologies that the different communities of professionals in dialogue have been able to truly interact, thus intercepting surprising possibilities for conservation and enhancement of the various heritages. However, the disciplinary fields of the professionals involved are very different and the operating models and management and enhancement practices of the organizations are not always reconcilable. Furthermore, in the new digital environment, skills, roles, functions, and work processes must necessarily be reconfigured, and for this to happen, a renewed complicity between professionals and organizations is necessary.

The current challenges: digitization and metadata creation, data representation, study of digital audiences

One of GLAM coordination's priorities is overcoming cultural, organizational, and technical barriers to uniformity in descriptive languages, for the creation of integrated and interoperable digital environments. Two other priorities concern data representation, to improve information architecture models, and the study of digital audiences, to monitor the behaviors and needs of digital audiences, with the goal of improving access, experience, and reuse of digital heritage.

Towards a digital and strategic convergence

The PND Piano Nazionale di digitalizzazione del patrimonio culturale, promoted by the Ministry of Culture, represents a key resource for GLAM, proposing an operational model that encourages a systemic approach. Among the recommended principles stand out efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of digitization processes, essential points for the development of an integrated cultural memory.

For technological innovation to become a driving force for cultural institutions, GLAM promotes a 'convergence perspective', that is, a synergy strategy that allows museums, archives, and libraries to collaborate effectively and harness the opportunities offered by digital technology. Through this convergence, GLAM aims to develop and disseminate practices to ensure that digital skills and resources are distributed and accessible, thus contributing to greater cultural inclusion and awareness among the population.

With its inclusive and forward-looking approach, GLAM proves to be a social as well as cultural infrastructure, capable of responding to today and tomorrow challenges. The network works to ensure that Italian cultural heritage remains not only a legacy but an active, enhanced, and shared resource.

To delve deeper into the topic, you can consult the 2021 PND Piano nazionale di digitalizzazione del patrimonio nazionale by the Ministry of Culture and visit the official website of GLAM Italia, which offers a wide range of resources and strategic documentation.

The role of training and skills exchange.

Another aspect that GLAM focuses on is the training and improvement of the skills of cultural heritage professionals. This takes place through meetings, workshops, and joint projects, where innovative practices are shared and adapted. Training, thus understood, is not only a means of updating skills but also a tool for developing a collaborative mindset open to innovation, strengthening the concept of a network.