Enterprise Content Management in Cultural Heritage Institutions: A Study of Sharjah (United Arab Emirates) Landscape

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to chart the landscape of digital content management processes in heritage institutions in the United Arab Emirates in order to determine their state, characteristics, and the roles they play in strengthening the presence of heritage in the digital world. It also aims to investigate policies, plans, systems, and projects required before presenting recommendations to rectify any lacunae. Design: The study uses the descriptive analytical approach to investigate the state of digital content management in Heritage Institutions using a checklist as the main data collection instrument. Findings: The study's conclusions revealed the need for clear, written strategies for content management. The majority of the institutions do not have written policies, and they operate following tacit unwritten policies leading to a negative impact on their communication processes, performance, operations, goals, plans, services, and sustainability of their work. The study recommends among others the need for institutions to formulate a clear, written strategy for digital content management, to develop policies related to content management, and to conduct periodic evaluations of the existing system using indicators, statistics, feedback, and surveys of stakeholders. Originality/value: This is the first study to address digital content management in heritage institutions in the United Arab Emirates. It is likely to influence digital content management practices as well as inform future policies, strategies and plans thereof.