Museum Virtual Assistants: A Guide for Everyone

As technology advances, people have always found ways in utilizing that technology to make things cost-effective and efficient, especially the popularity of the internet and virtual offices. One of those ways is called “Virtual Assistants” – an innovation in the modern workplace due to its cost-effectiveness perfect for businesses that prioritizes efficiency and streamlining operations. But first, what are Virtual Assistants?

Virtual Assistants are remote professionals that provide administrative services. They usually operate independently or on a contract, and outside of the office; usually working from home through digital communication. Virtual Assistants are often people who have years of experience working in administrative services or offices. The task of a virtual assistant often varies from bookkeeping services to managing business social media, while offering flexible working hours and can adapt to the business’ growth. That’s why Virtual Assistants became prominent and hired by many businesses like Hospitality Businesses, Web Development, or even Museums!

That’s right! Museums have also adapted to the ever-changing technology that we have, now hiring Virtual Assistants for planning events and improving member engagement. Virtual Assistants are able to benefit museums from efficiently planning events like being able to coordinate with vendors and venues, handle schedules, send invitations, tracking of budget and expenses, logistics and handling feedback. They are also able to provide interactive user engagement by giving personalized guidance and useful information, making the interaction feel a bit more natural like the person themselves is in the museum guiding you. In addition, since virtual assistants work remotely, the museum has more space for visitors making it a place dedicated to historical appreciation.

However, not every virtual assistant has a real-person working behind it, there are some that have programmed their own virtual assistants or are AI-driven. For example, The Smithsonian and Barcelona’s European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM) have introduced Pepper, a humanoid robot created by Aldebaran Robotics. This is a moving robot that interacts with the visitors by answering their questions and storytelling with programmed gestures and voices that make interactions feel natural. Another example would be the recent innovation of an AI-driven virtual assistant called “Leonardo” used in Louvre, which provides personalized tours and real-time information.

Virtual Assistants have become a huge help in the modern workplace, so much so that every business or organization, nonprofit or for-profit, has started to use one. Perhaps this may be the future of the workplace, and a shining guide that can be of help to everyone.