---
title: "Smithsonian 2.0"
description: "How can museums and libraries adjust to the new media ecosystem?"
date: "2009-01-26"
authors:
  - name: "Lee Rainie"
    job_title: "Former Director, Internet and Technology Research"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/lee-rainie/"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2009/01/26/smithsonian-2-0/"
categories:
  - "Emerging Technology"
  - "Platforms & Services"
tags:
  - "New Media Ecology"
  - "Web 2.0"
---

# Smithsonian 2.0

I was one of the outside participants at a think-apalooza about the [future of the Smithsonian Institution](http://smithsonian20.si.edu/default.html). The two-day event was well covered by [Joel Garreau.](http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/25/AR2009012502179.html)

It was very clear to the [scholars, consultants, and dot-com experts](http://smithsonian20.si.edu/participants.html)[ who had been invited to spend time at the museums and collections that the ][Smithsonian](http://www.si.edu/) is wrestling with the same questions every organization confronts in this new information and communication ecology: How do we further our mission in this radically different environment?

I took the minute I had in my remarks at the plenary session to pass along a message I often deliver to those who lead libraries, non-profits, and government agencies: You have people on your staff who have already thought about this and have solutions to offer.

The Smithsonian is a case in point. I read from a [paper](http://smithsonian20.typepad.com/blog/2009/01/from-lee-rainie-director-pew-internet-american-life-project-.html) written by smart Smithsonian new-media strategist [Michael Edson.](http://usingdata.net/)

My point about empowering motivated staffers was more smartly framed by my friend Larry Irving, who quoted his old boss telling his staff: "You should try to accomplish your mission however you like as long as it is not illegal, immoral, or fattening."