How are collections management units involved in digitization across the U.S.?

This thesis examines collections digitization efforts in museums across the western United States, and specifically, the impact of collections digitization on Collections Management units. Collections digitization is quickly becoming a core feature of collections stewardship while its impact on Collections Management units in museums has not been widely examined. A literature review that examines the ways in which public access to online collections has benefitted museums, as well as a national survey of museums accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, was conducted. The results of which are presented, followed by a discussion, several conclusions, and a set of recommendations. It is concluded that while the Collections Management units are responsible for much of the collection digitization efforts, and that museums have reached 'a point of no return' when it comes to the public's expectation for access to collections online, access must become an institutional priority for today's museum sector.