Welcome to our Exhibition
『DIGITAL MUSEUM 2000』 From The Director
Since its inception in 1996, The University Museum, The University of Tokyo has
actively tried to solve the never-ending problem of the long-term preservation of
collected research materials.
Our main approach of preservation is the technology of "digital archiving".
This is a method in which the collected materials are digitized using the currently
available most advanced digital technology and stored into the computer database.
Digital archiving approach has been proposed as part of the "Digital Museum
Concept". In the four years since the concept has been put forth, various research
activities and the "Digital Archive" project have produced tangible results.
To our delight, the research activities have been well received as showing the future
direction for museums.
On this occasion, we are proud to announce the joint exhibit based on the idea of
"Distributed Museum Concept" as part of the "Digital Museum"
in cooperation with the National Museum of Japanese History.
As far as we know, this is the first time joint exhibits of the same theme are held
at far away partner museums with the aid of very high-speed digital communication
circuit.
The Digital Museum 2000 is an occasion to demonstrate the effecitivess of the digital
archive and other research activities which this museum has put forward. If visitors
from other museums and research institutions as well as ordinary visitors find the
exhibit interesting and deepen their view of the museum in the future, it would be
the greatest reward to us.
Lastly, I would like to thank the people and various organizations who have made
this exhibt possible. This work has been receiving Grant from the Monbusho (Ministry
of Education, Science, Sports and Culture) to Cover Scientific Research Expenses
in the project "The University of Tokyo Museum Database" under the Special
Program for Promoting Research Result Publishing since 1997.
Akihiko Kawaguchi
Director, The University Museum, The University of Tokyo
Professor, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo
