Applying the value-creation framework to a community museum volunteer project: implementing a digital storytelling programme at the Mudgeeraba Light Horse Museum

Abstract

There are thousands of community museums across Australia. Their capacity varies, and viability is an issue, with many having insufficient volunteers and funding to operate. This research explores the community value offered by these organizations by examining a specific case: the introduction of a digital storytelling (DST) programme into a community museum by the volunteers. These volunteers form a community of practice, actively learning through collaboratively developing their skills. A qualitative approach was taken, using a participatory action research methodology. Applying the value-creation framework (VCF) developed by Wenger, Trayner, and de Laat (2011. Promoting and Assessing Value Creation in Communities and Networks: A Conceptual Framework. Amsterdam: Ruud de Moor Centrum) enabled an analysis of value through participants’ stories around introducing the DST programme. This research has implications for digital learning activities in museums, but more broadly to the value of community museums for the community, for volunteer management, and for researchers applying the VCF to other contexts where communities of practice are identified.