SOCIAL TAGGING MUSEUM COLLECTIONS: Public Engagement or an Abrogation Act

Folksonomy has been widely debated in the field of virtual museums. Although the use of social tagging has served a new purpose as a result of COVID-19, this practice has been around for over two decades. This study examines if folksonomy is a useful mechanism to engage heritage audiences based on views of Generation Z in a controlled university setting. It also tests whether social tagging abrogates the responsibility of museums. Overall, the results indicate that social tagging is welcomed although some respondents expressed concerns with regard to its impact on museum jobs, in the post-pandemic times. A longitudinal timeframe (years 2021-2022) was used and it was interesting to note that almost all respondents who participated during the pandemic year (2021) expressed their support toward folksonomy and social tagging. Overall, the results suggest that social tagging is a useful tool to engage the Generation Z. A strategic participatory approach rooted in citizen science and citizen humanities theory is suggested. Furthermore, the museums should promote public well-being and sustainability by engaging people in artwork that conveys sustainable messages.