The New Triple A Art, Archive and Artefact – At the Military Museums Lessons and Implications from a Converged Environment

Convergence in libraries and museums has been understood in a limited, almost theoretical way. The Military Museums Library and Archives and Art Gallery, managed and developed by the University of Calgary is a converged organization. This unit is a unique partnership in Canada between academe, the Department of National Defence and private stakeholders. Our case study demonstrates how the concept of convergence is internalized and becomes embedded across diverse professional practices. Additionally it was observed that there is also a convergence of the audiences each unique professional practice brings with them. Working relationships within the museum have created a unique collaboration of collections and synthesis of expertise. Interactions and new understandings have manifested themselves in a unique approach to public presentation that informs not only the audience but also the practitioners of art, artefact, and archive. Finally we discuss organizational implications and exhibition possibilities realized through creating an art exhibition from within a converged environment.