Digital storytelling and memory institutions: A case study using activity theory

Abstract

This paper describes a case study investigation of a city-wide digital storytelling initiative led by two libraries and one municipal cultural department in Hamilton, Canada. Data collection involved one-on-one interviews, document review, and participant observations with governance stakeholders from the two libraries and municipal cultural department involved in the case study. Using activity theory as a conceptual framework, data were analyzed using grounded theory techniques. A variety of factors - motivations, goals, actions, tools, rules, divisions of labour, tensions and contradictions - were found to influence the implementation of the digital storytelling initiative under investigation. Importantly, activity theory provided a robust, holistic framework for understanding and describing the phenomenon of digital storytelling initiatives led by memory institutions.