ROM Research Colloquium: Ryan Dodge

Name: Ryan Dodge

Title: Social Media Coordinator

On February 8th from 9:15am to 6:30pm ROM experts deliver fascinating 15-minute presentations on the latest research in the arts, archaeology and pure and applied sciences. Free (Museum admission not included). Signy & Cléophée Eaton Theatre. Please enter the ROM by the President's Choice School Entrance, located at the south end of the building on Queen’s Park.

What are you going to talk about at the colloquium this year?

This year at the colloquium I am going to talk about the first six months in my new role as the Social Media Coordinator here at the museum. At the 2012 colloquium I spoke about mobile interpretation in museums while still working in the Library and Archives. Since then I have moved into this new role and have had the chance to put into practise some of the ideas I spoke about then. I have also been able to try a few things that no other museum in the world has done and I will look at those projects as well. To finish up I will also discuss how I measure all of the work I do online, how I know what works and what doesn't and why some content is more engaging than others.

How did you first become interested in this topic?

I became interested in social media early on, I was travelling in Europe after completing my undergrad and recognized the potential to keep up with friends and family all over the world. Then, while working in Visitor Services I realized how social media could benefit visitors to the museum and while completing my Master's of Museum Studies I had the oppourtunity to learn the ropes of museum social media strategy from the Chief, Digital Outreach and Engagement at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

What part of your research do you enjoy the most?

Hmmm, tough question! I guess the thing I like most about my research and work in social media is that it is always evolving. There is something new almost every week and although many claim to be a social media expert, I believe no one is because of that evolution. The nature of the platform makes it exciting and although my world is 'always on', I see it as a challenge and the rewards are that much greater. I also like the fact that there is no tried and true method and there is an emphasis on trial and error, on experimentation, on learning from your mistakes, as well as open sharing with your colleagues and being transparent with your goals and results.