Digital Curation Research Articles

Information design and digital curation at the museum of the person

Information design and digital curation at the museum of the person

What Does It Mean to “Misuse” Research Data?

ABSTRACTIn this panel, we will discuss how “data misuse” is understood across different disciplines, and in particular digital curation, critical data studies, scholarly communication, and algorithmic fairness. The audience will be invited to contribute to the discussion by reporting on their own experience with data misuse, and brainstorming potential interventions to prevent misuse. Controversial reuses of open research data are emerging, including exploitation of marginalized communities, geo privacy violations, and perpetuation of harmful stereotypes. Incidents of data misuse hinder scientific progress and erode public trust, yet defining misuse remains challenging as one community's misuse might be another's best practice. The development of a shared framework to understand when, how, and why misuse of research data occurs can help science stakeholders decide when and how to release crucial research data, evaluate the potential for misuse, and tailor documentation of research data to prevent misuse. Our goal for this panel discussion is to take us a step closer to the development of such a theoretical framework for defining data misuse.

Emphasizing the Social in Sociotechnical Approaches to the Digital Curation of Visual Information

ABSTRACTThis panel explores the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the expanded sociotechnical practices associated with the preservation, curation, and use of visual information and ongoing perceptions of the affordances and constraints associated with new and emerging visual information objects. The panelists and the respondent work with the curation and preservation of visual information across a variety of research areas and utilize both qualitative and quantitative methods to understand the parallel and divergent sociotechnical challenges of curating visual information across analog, digitized, and born‐digital contexts. Sites of analysis range from format‐specific identity‐representation issues to the cultural practices of media archivists, translational challenges when moving complex scientific data across various digital and analog formats, and the role of accessibility in the design and deployment of discovery systems within cultural heritage institutions. Responding to the unique and intersecting challenges produced by working with visual information across various archival and digital curation contexts, the panelist will reflect on the practical and theoretical outcomes from ongoing research projects and identify persistent and emergent issues within the digital curation of visual information.

“Social Media Has Been Helpful in Learning About Myself and Finding My Community”: The Affordances and Constraints of ICT‐Based Queer History Content Creation

ABSTRACTThis paper reports on findings from 31 semi‐structured interviews with North American Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)‐based content creators who focus on LGBTQIA+ history. While the research broadly explored the information practices and digital preservation strategies of these content creators, this paper highlights how the participants navigated their respective ICT choices (ranging from personal blogs to Instagram accounts) and what affordances and constraints emerged from these choices. The paper highlights how such potentialities and pitfalls across varied social media and web‐based platforms informed the sociotechnical practices of queer historical knowledge production and how the participants leveraged the features of various ICTs to expand the visibility of queer‐affirming content and resources. The paper concludes by exploring these practices and their theoretical and practical implications for practitioners at the intersection of digital curation and archiving marginalized histories with an explicit emphasis on collaborative rather than extractive opportunities for collaboration between such content creators and cultural heritage institutions.

Exploring the Curation Practices of 3D Data Creators

ABSTRACT3D data creation methods and virtual reality (VR)‐based visualization techniques are increasingly common in interdisciplinary research and pedagogy. 3D data represent a new challenge to existing digital curation frameworks for academic libraries and other support institutions. This poster describes the research methodology, background, and research plan for an in‐progress, 3‐year project funded in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS grant LG‐254830‐OLS‐23). This project is exploring 3D data creation and curation practices of researchers across a range of 3D creation modalities and disciplines.

Ingesting digital archives into long-term storage system through free open-source software in South Africa

Purpose In South Africa, public institutions face challenges in transitioning their digital records to trusted digital repositories due to a deficiency in skills, infrastructure and systems. Free and open-source software (FOSS) presents a viable solution for facilitating the transfer of digital archives for permanent preservation. Despite the existence of FOSS policy in South Africa, the public sector has yet to fully use it to engage in the development and implementation of products for records management and archive preservation using open-source software. This study aims to explore the ingestion of digital archives into an approved long-term storage system through FOSS in South Africa with the view of developing a framework. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a qualitative research approach to collect data through interviews with purposively selected participants (records managers, archivists and IT officials) from national government departments that have implemented records management systems for digital curation of archives, as well as the National Archives and Records Services of South Africa (NARSSA), which regulates archives and records management, and the State Information Technology Agency, which regulates information technology in government. Findings The findings of the study suggest that the systematic transfer of digital materials from public entities to NARSSA, as required by statute, has not taken place. Research limitations/implications The study specifically targeted national government departments that have implemented digital archives and records management systems. Consequently, perspectives from departments that have not implemented these solutions were excluded. Originality/value A framework is proposed for the transfer of digital archives, using interoperable FOSS, from government agencies responsible for records management to NARSSA for archival preservation. This framework, it is hoped, will facilitate infrastructure and skills development in the management of records and preservation of archives through open platforms.

The Role of Librarians as Digital Curators in the Digital Information Era in the Muhammadiyah University of North Sumatra Library

The Role of Librarians as Digital Curators in the Digital Information Era in the Muhammadiyah University of North Sumatra Library

Art curation in virtual spaces: The influence of digital technology in redefining the aesthetics and interpretation of art

The advent of the digital revolution and the ubiquitous integration of digital technology in art curation, have led to unprecedented transformations in reshaping the accessibility and engagement of art and heritage. This study delves into the intersection of digital technology and art curation, and attempts to explore the multifaceted and transformative influences of digital technology in curatorial practices in the contemporary art world. The research used a case study approach and investigated Google Arts & Culture and the Rijksmuseum’s Rijksstudio as prominent examples of large-scale digitalisation and digital art curation. The study aims to establish a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of art digitalisation, and how digital practices are redefining curatorial methods in the art world. Drawing from the critical perspectives concerning digitalisation, the study deliberates on the shifting paradigms of authenticity, the digital divide and the diminishing materiality of artworks in virtual environments. The findings from the study suggest that digital transformations in curatorial practices have ushered in an era of increased accessibility, and immersive user interactions with art and heritage. However, the digital curation of art manifests the emergence of a post-custodial paradigm, which is characterised by commodification of art, and decontextualisation of art and heritage.

Designing and teaching socio-scientific issues online: digital curation in the science classroom

ABSTRACT This case study explored how Digital Curation (DC) can be applied to classroom Socio-Scientific Issues (SSI) instruction. It examined teachers’ perspectives on whether and how DC contributes to fostering the social and scientific dimensions of the SSI – the key components of the SSI-Teaching and Learning (SSI-TL) framework. Data were gathered from seven teachers during and after a professional development program on DC for science teachers designed to equip educators with resources to develop their own SSI-DC teaching units. The teachers indicated that DC enhanced the scientific and social dimensions of SSI, while also bolstering students’ digital skills, thus effectively addressing common hurdles to integrating both social and scientific dimensions in SSI instruction. Beyond presenting innovative strategies for the effective implementation of DC, the findings contribute to confirming the validity of the SSI-TL framework.

Digital curation practices on web and social media archiving in libraries and archives

Digital curation practices on web and social media archiving in libraries and archives

Preserving Secondary Knowledge

Emulation and migration are still our main tools for digital curation and preservation practice. Both strategies have been discussed extensively and have been demonstrated to be effective and applicable in various scenarios. Discussions have primarily centered on technical feasibility, workflow integration, and usability. However, there remains one important aspect when discussing these two techniques: managing and preserving operational knowledge. Both approaches require specialized knowledge but especially emulation requires future users to also have a great variety of knowledge about past software and computer systems for successful operation. We investigate how this knowledge can be stored and utilized, and to what extent it can be rendered machine-actionable, using modern large language models. We demonstrate a proof-of-concept implementation that operates an emulated software environment through natural language.

Digital Preservation Strategies for Cultural Heritage in North Africa in Egypt

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the digital preservation strategies for cultural heritage in North Africa. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Digital preservation strategies for cultural heritage in North Africa emphasize robust technological infrastructure, collaborative initiatives among stakeholders, capacity building for local professionals in digital curation and metadata management, effective policy frameworks addressing copyright and intellectual property issues, and public engagement through cultural education and virtual exhibitions. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social constructivism, information science theory & postcolonial theory may be used to anchor future studies on digital preservation strategies for cultural heritage in North Africa. Establish comprehensive guidelines for digital preservation that encompass diverse cultural heritage materials, including manuscripts, archaeological artifacts, oral histories, and visual arts. Advocate for the development of integrated national and regional policies on digital preservation, supported by sustainable funding mechanisms and public-private partnerships.

3VR: Vice Versa Virtual Reality Algorithm to Track and Map User Experience

The understanding of how users interact with the virtual cultural heritage could provide digital curators valuable insights into user behaviors and also improve the overall user experience through the ability to observe and record interactions of virtual visitors. This article introduces the new User Behavior (UB) tracking algorithm that we developed investigating a salience of the Virtual Reality (VR) panoramic regions. The algorithm extracts the importance of Region of Interest (ROI) determining patterns of the visitors’ virtual movement and interest in combination with statistics of captured browser activity. The input of our algorithm is the virtual online interactive platform (Virtual Museum of the Civic Art Gallery of Ascoli Piceno in Italy) with 81 16,386 × 8,192 pixels panoramic images and several interactive features including maps, thumbnails, and menus. The software engine of the tracking model “Vice Versa” VR operates on inverse functions of all descriptive functions (descriptors), which are assigned particularly to each interactive feature such as viewing multimedia content and observing the panoramic environment. The tracking experiment was performed online and the web virtual museum key study collected behavior information from 171 visitors around the world. Collected data, multimedia and textual content, and the coordinates of the ROIs are then subjected to standard statistics operations to define common patterns of UBs. Thus, we have discovered that the ROIs are mostly mapped onto the artworks and it is possible to obtain patterns about the main interests of users. The developed tool offers a guideline for the panoramic tours design and the potential benefits for museums are to understand the public, verify the effectiveness of choices, and re-shape a cultural offer based on visitors’ needs. Exploiting this kind of user experience, our algorithm ensures relevant feedback during virtual visits and thus paves the way for further development of the recommender system.

Binding the past with digital: Film curation at Batu Api Library

Background: Digital curation is a growing concept that involves the selection, organization, and presentation of digital information for specific purposes. In this study, digital curation manages Batu Api Library’s film collection using digital technology. This trend is critical to keeping cultural information relevant and accessible to the public. Purpose: This study intends to examine the curation of digital films at the Batu Api Library and how users react to and value the library’s digital film curation results. Methods: This study is based on qualitative research. Batu Api Library conducted this study for three months. Interviews and questionnaires are research methods. Quantitative and qualitative data are collected in two phases. The types of data require different treatment methods. Thematic analysis provides qualitative data, while descriptive statistics uses quantitative data. The methodology provides a comprehensive understanding of the impact of technology on the curation of films and audience participation at Batu Api Library. Results: The study found overwhelmingly positive results for integrating digital technology into film curation at Batu Api Library. The experience engaged and educated many visitors and helped them understand historical and cultural differences. The youngest users were particularly engaged. Conclusion: The study found that digitizing film curation at Batu Api Library enhanced the visitor experience and historical insight. Responses, especially from younger participants, indicate that digital advances are beneficial. Implications: Digital film curation can enhance the museum experience and historical and cultural knowledge. Digital technology preserves and communicates cultural heritage in practical and theoretical ways.

Research data management competencies of researchers in selected public universities in South Africa

PurposeIn today's global and competitive corporate environment characterised by rapidly changing information, knowledge and technology (IKT), researchers must be upskilled in all aspects of research data management (RDM). This study investigates a set of capabilities and competencies required by researchers at selected South African public universities, using the community capability model framework (CCMF) in conjunction with the digital curation centre (DCC) lifecycle model.Design/methodology/approachThe post-positivist paradigm was used in the study, which used both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Case studies, both qualitative and quantitative, were used as research methods. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic rules and regulations, semi-structured interviews with 23 study participants were conducted online via Microsoft Teams to collect qualitative data, and questionnaires were converted into Google Forms and emailed to 30 National Research Foundation (NRF)-rated researchers to collect quantitative data.FindingsParticipating institutions are still in the initial stages of providing RDM services. Most researchers are unaware of how long their institutions retain research data, and they store and backup their research data on personal computers, emails and external storage devices. Data management, research methodology, data curation, metadata skills and technical skills are critically important RDM competency requirements for both staff and researchers. Adequate infrastructure, as well as human resources and capital, are in short supply. There are no specific capacity-building programmes or strategies for developing RDM skills at the moment, and a lack of data curation skills is a major challenge in providing RDM.Practical implicationsThe findings of the study can be applied widely in research, teaching and learning. Furthermore, the research could help shape RDM strategy and policy in South Africa and elsewhere.Originality/valueThe scope, subject matter and application of this study contribute to its originality and novelty.

Curators of digital counterpublics: Mapping alternative news environments in Sweden and Denmark

Abstract This article maps and compares digital alternative news environments in two Scandinavian countries: Sweden and Denmark. Drawing on an analysis of over 20,000 public social media accounts that have shared alternative news content on eight different social media platforms from January 2019 to March 2022, we document the importance of different types of curators, such as political actors, social media pundits, public discussion groups, and individual “hyper-tweeters”, in multiplying the reach of alternative news content on social media. The analysis reveals substantial differences in the digital curation of alternative news between the two countries, as well as between the curation of left-wing and right-wing alternative content. In the article, we discuss how different types of alternative news curation practices contribute to the formation of digital counterpublics.

Analysis of Digital Curating in Museums

This paper examines the form and methods of digital curation and cross-disciplinary storytelling. The study focuses on analyzing museum digital curation in the context of the digital age, exploring the integration of new technologies, virtual reality, and exhibition design. The research aims to understand the benefits of merging technology and art and the various forms and methods of cross-disciplinary storytelling. A comprehensive analysis reveals the characteristics and forms of digital artworks, along with the technologies and methods used for their exhibition. The study also highlights the importance of user experience in digital curation and provides insights into the future development of museum digital curation. The research contributes to a better understanding of the potential of digital curation in enhancing the exhibition space and engaging visitors in immersive and interactive experiences. The findings and recommendations of this study can guide museums in leveraging digital technologies for effective and innovative curation practices in the future.

Digital curation and long-term digital preservation in libraries

For over twenty years public institutions and foundations committed in cultural heritage curation and preservation worked up methodologies, strategies and techniques for long-term digital preservation of digital resources. Thanks to a relevant number of initiatives and services carried on by international institutions and specialized agencies, public and private libraries reached a high level of awareness in this field which requires continuous adaptation due to the constant evolution of publishing industry and the rapid emergence of Open Science. After a quick review of digital preservation milestones, this article looks at some emerging trends and issues which characterize the constant transformation of digital preservation landscape. Dynamic generated digital contents and Open Science to fulfil findability, accessibility, interoperability and reuse (FAIR) of digital assets are engaging new challenges for existing digital preservation services. Digital curation and digital preservation are deeply merged and proceed in parallel to assure long-term usage of digital resources and data. How to select and deploy digital preservation platforms is another complex area where Cloud services can offer the opportunity to reduce the costs of technical infrastructures maintenance and management. Policy and decision making institutional levels need more awareness to draw up digital preservation strategies and to activate services to assure digital contents and data long-term access and reuse. Finally the paper suggests to promote “digital preservation by design” as a new base rule to be applied since the conception of every project and initiative in the cultural heritage, scientific and academic contexts.

A Survey of How Archaeological Repositories Are Managing Digital Associated Records and Data

ABSTRACTArchaeologists are taught about the importance of professional recordation and our ethical obligations to those associated records and data. These teachings imply that practitioners are meeting a professional standard of recordation that will stand the test of time, but the ongoing digital revolution is changing the way records and data are created and preserved. Best practices for the management and use of digital archaeological records have been published, and devoted digital archives offer these services. However, the ability of traditional archaeological repositories to adopt best practices or pay for digital curation is poorly understood. This article presents the results of a survey asking how the flood of digital records and data has impacted the ability of archaeological repositories to collect, manage, preserve, use, and make accessible digital archaeological records and data. Are repositories adopting the best practices that have been outlined? What kinds of challenges do repositories face regarding digital records and data? Are they being overcome successfully? The survey results offer a snapshot of current practice and point to future directions that should be pursued to ensure that the discipline is meeting its professional obligations.

Digital-virtual environments of LGBTQ+ information: intersections between Information Design, Digital Curation and Experience Design

Resumo Os ambientes dígito-virtuais voltados para a temática LGBTQ+ configuram importantes espaços de acesso e compartilhamento de informações, ao convergir conteúdos sobre existências dissidentes e historicamente marginalizadas, evocar sua cultura e memória, além de dar visibilidade às suas narrativas em múltiplas perspectivas. Tais ambientes demandam estudos que analisem as principais características presentes na estruturação, no acesso e no compartilhamento da informação para possíveis melhorias nos processos infocomunicacionais. As convergências entre o Design da Informação e a Curadoria Digital, alinhadas ao Design de Experiência, possibilitam analisar aspectos inerentes à estruturação, organização e apresentação da informação em ambientes dígito-virtuais. Desse modo, objetivou-se explorar iniciativas nacionais e internacionais para a comunicação de informações sobre à temática LGBTQ+; identificar e descrever a presença de elementos do Design da Informação, convergidos à Curadoria Digital, na perspectiva do Design de Experiência e verificar as contribuições da intersecção das referidas disciplinas para a otimização do acesso, do compartilhamento e da apropriação da informação em ambiente dígito-virtual. A metodologia utilizada foi de caráter qualitativo e de abordagem teórica, exploratória e descritiva, por meio da aplicação do método Design Thinking nas fases de Empatia, Definição e Ideação. Os resultados demonstraram que os recursos dispostos nos ambientes correspondem à utilização de representações sígnicas próprias do contexto cultural específico, visíveis através de vocabulário característico, articulação de ícones e cores representativas, estruturadas mediante uma linguagem multimodal. Verificou-se a presença de múltiplos elementos que estabelecem um processo infocomunicacional com significação contextual aos sujeitos LGBTQ+.