Introduction

This chapter introduces the main argument: that the museum sector and its stakeholders could benefit by re-envisioning social media practices through the concept of craft. It provides context for the central argument by framing the research and importance of craft through three main foundational threads: (1) an understanding of social inclusion in museology; (2) the adoption and use of social media as part of museum social roles; and (3) an observed paradox in museum social media practices. The social media paradox refers to a common idealistic discourse in the cultural heritage sector that associates social media platforms with social goals, which ironically can position social media practices outside of museum work. In response to this paradox, this chapter begins to suggest the usefulness of craft for highlighting the social and technical negotiations and the supporting museum infrastructures that are necessary for practitioners to realistically incorporate social media into social inclusion work. Finally, this chapter charts the organisation of this book.