Heritage Websites Research Articles

User versus institutional perspectives of metadata and searching: an investigation of online access to cultural heritage content during the COVID-19 pandemic

Findings from log analyses of user interactions with the digital content of two large national cultural heritage institutions (National Museums of Scotland and National Galleries of Scotland) during the COVID-19 lockdown highlighted limited engagement compared to pre-pandemic levels. Just 8% of users returned to these sites, whilst the average time spent, and number of pages accessed, were generally low. This prompted a user study to investigate the potential mismatch between the way content was indexed by the curators and searched for by users. A controlled experiment with ten participants, involving two tasks and a selected set of digital cultural heritage content, explored: (a) how does the metadata assigned by cultural heritage organisations meet or differ from the search needs of users? and (b) how can the search strategies of users inform the search pathways employed by cultural heritage organisations? Findings reveal that collection management standards like Spectrum encourage a variety of different characteristics to be considered when developing metadata, yet much of the content is left to the interpretations of curators. Rather, user- and context-specific guidelines could be beneficial in ensuring the aspects considered most important by consumers are indexed, thereby producing more relevant search results. A user-centred approach to designing cultural heritage websites would help to improve an individual’s experience when searching for information. However, a process is needed for institutions to form a concrete understanding of who their target users are before developing features and designs to suit their specific needs and interests.

Heritage Websites as a Useful Addition to the Planning Toolkit in Singapore

This article analyses the extent to which heritage websites serve as a useful addition to the heritage planning toolkit in Singapore. Drawing on questionnaire surveys and interviews with 26 public servants in Singapore's public planning offices, a group of respondents usually difficult to access, this study reveals how and why this group of planners utilize heritage websites. Using Singapore's prevailing ‘3R' heritage conservation principle as a metric, this study also explores whether the information on heritage websites addresses heritage planning needs. Implications for heritage website design and use for other countries and the broader planning context are also outlined.

INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE WEBSITE PROGRAM

The Indonesian nation has a long history of diverse cultural journeys. A number of intangible cultural heritages need to be preserved which refers to the 2003 UNESCO Convention. One of the best solutions for preserving intangible cultural heritage is to use information technology, namely websites. It is very appropriate to use a website to preserve intangible cultural heritage, which means introducing and promoting intangible cultural heritage to the wider community, especially the younger generation. The creation of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Website Program aims to help BPNB (Cultural Value Preservation Center) in the DKI Jakarta, Lampung, West Java and Banten areas. BPNB has a function to preserve and promote the acculturation of cultural heritage values to the wider community. The previous research is already conducted and the result was the user interface design of the website. The user interface design was seen as suitable already by BPNB. The next stage was to develop the database using MySQL and the website using PHP. Waterfall model was used to develop the website. User Acceptance Test have been carried out and the results are the website was successfully installed at BPNB Bandung, the users also says that the website is really helpful to document the intangible cultural heritage and also to socialize to the public. The users already seen the website and accepts the website fully. There was feedback from user which is to create the Android version of the website so it can be accessed more easily.

Saving Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Online and the Mission to Preserve Digital Cultural Heritage

The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief and preliminary examination of lessons learned by Saving Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Online (SUCHO) in its efforts to web-scrape Ukrainian cultural heritage websites and develop educational materials, following a grounding of the work in an equally brief foundation of the importance of Ukraine’s cultural heritage.

User Interface Design of West Java’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Website using User Centered Design

Indonesia is a country that has a very diverse cultural wealth. Intangible cultural heritage in Indonesia is 
 transmitted from generation to generation. Balai Pelestarian Nilai Budaya Jawa Barat (BPNB) or The 
 West Java Cultural Values Preservation Centre located in Bandung keeps the preservation of acculturation 
 culture. BPNB only using Microsoft Access application to document cultural heritage in West Java. This is very 
 unfortunate, because information technology is actively advancing until this day but the preservation of 
 local intangible cultural heritage especially in West Java is not accessible to the public. There is also a 
 chance that younger generation in Indonesia wouldn’t even know a few things about intangible cultural 
 heritage. This research is conducted to create an user interface design of West Java’s intangible cultural 
 heritage website using user centred design method. The result of the interface design is as seen fit by the 
 head of BPNB and already be developed so that BPNB can be easily update and store the records of the West 
 Java’s intangible cultural heritage and the public can also see the list.

Nusantara Heritage Website Development to Promote Malang Cultural Tourism

Topeng Panji is an iconic mask that can be found in the Panji Museum, Topeng village and in the Malang mask dance performance. With support from the Panji Topeng Ballet in Malang, it is time for the international community to learn about this Panji mask tourism village. However, there is a lack of promotional resources regarding this tourism village. The Panji mask tourism needs to be further developed to be worthy of becoming an international standard tour. This research was conducted to support the growth of the tourism sector with the aim of increasing the local economy. The Borg and Gall development model was used. An innovative Nusantara Heritage website was produced which should increase interest in visiting the tourism village by both local and foreign tourists.
 Keywords: website, Nusantara Heritage, tourism, culture, Malang mask

From web 1.0 to web 4.0: the digital heritage platforms for UNESCO’s heritage properties in Indonesia

<p>The advent of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has had and is having a major impact on Indonesian cultural resource management, and on the safeguarding methods of its tangible and intangible cultural heritages. Despite varied levels and visible gaps between rural and urban regions in terms of technology usage, innovative initiatives have been created, which correspond to the needs and expectations of a technology-savvy public. As a starting point, a number of public institutions dealing with tangible cultural heritage (e.g. museums, palaces, temples, World Heritage Sites (WHS)) do use innovative digital tools in order to communicate to various audiences, as well as to enrich visitors’ experience, especially taking into consideration young generations. This paper will firstly examine the role of ICTs in intangible cultural heritage (ICH) (e.g. Batik, Wayang puppet theatre, etc.); secondly, the authors will explain how ICTs can help to communicate and promote the values, history, and significances of ICH products, both for locals and tourists, with the goal of raising awareness on cultural identity. However, the knowledge of ICH still requires contacts with its own communities and is vulnerable, as it can be exposed to excessive cultural commoditization through e-platforms. This study aims at giving an overview and some examples of digital interventions for cultural heritage communication implemented by various stakeholders in Indonesia. In addition, this paper analyses to what extent a participatory approach engaging local communities, academics, private sectors, NGOs and the government, can ensure higher levels of effectiveness and efficiency, hence supporting the conservation of UNESCO tangible/ICH in Indonesia. This paper aims at: (1) presenting the development of digital heritage platforms in Indonesia; (2) providing a grid of analysis of digital heritage knowledge platforms dedicated to UNESCO tangible and ICH in forms of websites and mobile apps.</p><p>Highlights:</p><ul><li><p>Providing a map of the online presence of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHSs) in Indonesia by analysing 180 webpages in English and Indonesian languages.</p></li><li><p>Identifying several types of digital heritage websites in Indonesia based on the set of categories.</p></li><li><p>Classifying a map of 312 mobile apps dealing with UNESCO WHSs and Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in Indonesia, which were retrieved from Android and iOS platforms.</p></li></ul>

Big Data Analytics for Search Engine Optimization

In the Big Data era, search engine optimization deals with the encapsulation of datasets that are related to website performance in terms of architecture, content curation, and user behavior, with the purpose to convert them into actionable insights and improve visibility and findability on the Web. In this respect, big data analytics expands the opportunities for developing new methodological frameworks that are composed of valid, reliable, and consistent analytics that are practically useful to develop well-informed strategies for organic traffic optimization. In this paper, a novel methodology is implemented in order to increase organic search engine visits based on the impact of multiple SEO factors. In order to achieve this purpose, the authors examined 171 cultural heritage websites and their retrieved data analytics about their performance and user experience inside them. Massive amounts of Web-based collections are included and presented by cultural heritage organizations through their websites. Subsequently, users interact with these collections, producing behavioral analytics in a variety of different data types that come from multiple devices, with high velocity, in large volumes. Nevertheless, prior research efforts indicate that these massive cultural collections are difficult to browse while expressing low visibility and findability in the semantic Web era. Against this backdrop, this paper proposes the computational development of a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy that utilizes the generated big cultural data analytics and improves the visibility of cultural heritage websites. One step further, the statistical results of the study are integrated into a predictive model that is composed of two stages. First, a fuzzy cognitive mapping process is generated as an aggregated macro-level descriptive model. Secondly, a micro-level data-driven agent-based model follows up. The purpose of the model is to predict the most effective combinations of factors that achieve enhanced visibility and organic traffic on cultural heritage organizations’ websites. To this end, the study contributes to the knowledge expansion of researchers and practitioners in the big cultural analytics sector with the purpose to implement potential strategies for greater visibility and findability of cultural collections on the Web.

How accessibility guidelines are used in Spanish World Heritage websites: an exploratory study

PurposeThis paper presents an exploratory study on the accessibility of Spanish World Heritage website home pages in the Spanish language.Design/methodology/approachThe study sample comprised 78 home pages from the institutional websites of the 47 cultural, natural and mixed assets considered as World Cultural Heritage by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco). These home pages have been analysed using online accessibility validator tools, following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 recommendation for the different levels of priority. The compiled data were employed in a quantitative study on adherence to WCAG guidelines. Furthermore, the types of errors made using the perspective of accessibility and usability were identified, and the application rate was calculated for these accessibility guidelines according to the type of entity managed by the websites and pages.FindingsThe results show that more than 25 percent of the cases analysed had ten accessibility errors or fewer. Moreover, it was only necessary to correct one or two types of errors in close to 40 percent of them. The paper draws the conclusion that, despite technological and legislative advances that make public entity websites accessible, there is still much to do before complete web accessibility and usability at AA and AAA level can be achieved.Practical implicationsIdentifying accessibility problems on institutional websites constitutes the first step towards creating web content that is easy to access and manage for users with disabilities. In this regard, this study contributes to improving web content according to objective guidelines such as those encouraged by the WCAG 2.0.Originality/valueThis article provides information on how accessibility and usability guidelines are implemented by institutional websites for Cultural Heritage deemed especially important. This is an issue with significant implications for users and for which, however, there is a lack of prior studies. As a result, the value and originality of this paper can be considered evident.

A communication model for non-fiction interactive digital narratives: A study of cultural heritage websites

AbstractInteractive digital narrative (IDN) is an umbrella term used to encompass the various formats of digital narrative such as hypertext fiction, transmedia stories, and video games. The study of IDNs transverses the disciplines of narratology, game studies, and media studies. The main question this article addresses is how does the digital medium affect narrative in cultural heritage websites? This question is examined by proposing a new communication model that considers the role of digital media — the Creator-ProduserTransaction Model — and adapting existing “tools” of narrative analysis into a “narratological toolkit” for the study of non-fiction IDNs. The transaction between creators andprodusersand how an IDN narratological toolkit can be applied are exemplified through the analysis of three cultural heritage websites:Open Monuments (“Otwarte Zabytki”),Belgian Refugees of 1914–1919, andStorymap.

Valuing Urban Heritage Through Participatory Heritage Websites: Citizen Perceptions of Historic Urban Landscapes

This study examines how people value their historic urban landscapes through participatory heritage websites. These websites are online places where citizens actively contribute to the conservation of urban heritage. Taking UNESCO’s 2011 Recommendation on the Historic Urban Landscape as its theoretical starting point, this study understands urban landscapes as (1) dynamic, because they change over time; (2) multilayered, as different generations and communities contribute in diverse ways to the development of urban landscapes; and (3) mediated through digital technologies such as participatory heritage websites. Furthermore, this UNESCO recommendation is used to make a distinction between the kinds of heritage discussed on the websites (attributes) and the significance attached to it (values). Through a qualitative content analysis of 20 participatory heritage websites from various Dutch and English cities, the study examines what is valued by those who contribute in their urban environments. In so doing, the study demonstrates how online media can support a people-oriented form of urban heritage conservation. This analysis reveals that the following five categories of heritage attribute are remembered by citizens: (1) the built environment and public space, (2) the social fabric and identity, (3) culture and leisure, (4) business and industry, and (5) politics and public order. Moreover, it is found that these attributes are valued because of their social relevance (social value), their connection to the biographies of citizens (experiential value), and their contribution to our understanding of the urban past (historical value).

Our Cows and Whales

Our Cows and Whales

Functional Complexity and Web Site Design: Evaluating the Online Presence of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Functional complexity is a widespread and underresearched phenomenon in Web sites. This article explores a specific case of functional complexity by analyzing the content of UNESCO World Heritage Web sites, which have to meet demands from both World Heritage and tourism perspectives. Based on a functional analysis, a content checklist was developed and used to evaluate a sample of 30 World Heritage Web sites. The results show that World Heritage Web sites generally fall short in all content categories. A cluster analysis reveals three types of World Heritage Web sites based on their emphasis on World Heritage content versus tourism content: (a) less well-developed Web sites (no emphasis), (b) Web sites of World Heritage Sites with touristic possibilities (emphasis on World Heritage), and (c) Web sites of touristic attractions with outstanding cultural or natural value (emphasis on tourism). In all, the findings show that functional complexity poses serious threats to the exhaustiveness of a Web site’s information and that evaluation approaches based on functional analysis can be useful in detecting blindspots in the content provided.

Evaluación de la eficiencia comunicativa de los sitios web del destino arqueológico-patrimonial de Cartagena (España)

<p>Archaeological heritage is presented as a driven force of tourism in Mediterranean destinations. To obtain a balance between heritage conservation and tourism development is a challenge to achieve in most of heritage destinations. For this, it is proposed to grant to strategic communication through the Information and Communications Technology(ICT) greater valuation whether appropriate objectives are assigned beyond promotional or informative. Thus, this research work is devoted to identifying the capacities for strategic communication of three tourist and cultural heritage websites of Cartagena (Murcia, Spain) through a methodological analysis and evaluation resource called “Communicative Efficiency Questionnaire”(CEC).This instrument is based on three analysis criteria and consists of 11 indicators and 36 variables that demonstrate the communication efficiency of ICT and its relationship with tourism. The first analysis criterion focuses its attention on tourism-heritage relations. In this sense, it is concerned with promoting the necessary tools to manage tourism efficiently, responsibly and sustainably based on the local context and the needs of the managed population. The second analysis criterion seeks to know if the heritage site is concerned with the involvement of the stakeholders and local communities in management and that they have the knowledge and professional skills to carry out their work properly. Finally, the third analysis criterion assess whether the website includes interpretative messages that contribute to the appreciation of the public and residents about the heritage. This criterion is developed by six indicators and is very important for the CEC since they focus on the analysis of the importance of the information and its transmission through the websites. The results highlight the potential of strategic communication and the opportunity to attribute it higher uses in touristic and cultural heritage management aspects.</p>

DIGITAL HISTORIC URBAN LANDSCAPE METHODOLOGY FOR HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF SINGAPORE

Abstract. Using the case study of Singapore’s existing heritage websites, this research will probe the circumstances of the emerging technology and practice of consuming heritage architecture on a digital platform. Despite the diverse objectives, technology is assumed to help deliver greater interpretation through the use of new and high technology emphasising experience and provide visual fidelity. However, the success is limited as technology is insufficient to provide the past from multiple perspectives. Currently, existing projects provide linear narratives developed through a top-down approach that assumes the end-users as an individual entity and limits heritage as a consumable product. Through this research, we hope to uncover for better experience of digital heritage architecture where interpretation is an evolving ‘process’ that is participatory and contributory that allows public participation, together with effective presentation, cultural learning and embodiment, to enhance the end-users’ interpretation of digital heritage architecture. Additionally, this research seeks to establish an inventory in the form of a digital platform that adopts the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) into the Singapore context to better and deepen the understandings of the public towards architectural as well as cultural heritage through an intercultural and intergenerational dialogue. Through HUL, this research hopes that it will better shape conservation strategies and urban planning.

Mayo Clinic's Flower of Hope™

Recognizing the contribution art has had in the Mayo Clinic environment since the original Mayo Clinic Building was finished in 1914; Mayo Clinic Proceedings features some of the numerous works of art displayed throughout the buildings and grounds on Mayo Clinic campuses. Recognizing the contribution art has had in the Mayo Clinic environment since the original Mayo Clinic Building was finished in 1914; Mayo Clinic Proceedings features some of the numerous works of art displayed throughout the buildings and grounds on Mayo Clinic campuses. Art comes in many fashions—paint, stone, glass, and wood—to name a few of the most common forms. It is also recognizable that there is an “art” to every work of human hands, hence it is with honesty that Flower of Hope™1Mayo Clinic History and Heritage website. http://history.mayoclinic.org/toolkit/mayo-clinic-flower-of-hope.php. Accessed August 31, 2015.Google Scholar is recognized as an addition to the Art of Medicine. One of the hallmarks included in the year-long accolade for Mayo Clinic's Sesquicentennial (150-year anniversary) in 2014, comprised the commissioning of a flower. Honoring the traditions of the Mayo family as stewards of the environment, and recognizing the deep healing power of nature, Mayo Clinic chose this flower and renamed it the Flower of Hope.™1Mayo Clinic History and Heritage website. http://history.mayoclinic.org/toolkit/mayo-clinic-flower-of-hope.php. Accessed August 31, 2015.Google Scholar It was chosen for its capacity to thrive in the varied climates of all 3 Mayo Clinic sites, Rochester, Minnesota; Jacksonville, Florida; and Scottsdale, Arizona; and all of the other health system campuses.1Mayo Clinic History and Heritage website. http://history.mayoclinic.org/toolkit/mayo-clinic-flower-of-hope.php. Accessed August 31, 2015.Google Scholar Coreopsis “Electric Avenue” (US PP24688 P2) was “invented” in 2009 by botanists in Alpharetta, Georgia, who used stem slip cuttings to promote asexual reproduction of a potted Coreopsis plant.1Mayo Clinic History and Heritage website. http://history.mayoclinic.org/toolkit/mayo-clinic-flower-of-hope.php. Accessed August 31, 2015.Google Scholar The results produced a new cultivar with hardy, vibrant yellow blossoms and dense foliage that thrives in a wide variety of climates.2Coreopsis Electric Avenue. http://www.google.com/patents/USPP24688. Accessed August 31, 2015.Google Scholar, 3Bauer's Forever Flowers website. http://www.bauersforeverflowers.com/mayoclinic/. Accessed August 31, 2015.Google Scholar To clarify, the invention refers to the process by which the new flower emerged. It is out of the realm of human capacity to say we can “create” a flower. However, one can recognize the healing power and joy delivered by this delightful blossom. Plant lovers everywhere can obtain the Flower of Hope,™1Mayo Clinic History and Heritage website. http://history.mayoclinic.org/toolkit/mayo-clinic-flower-of-hope.php. Accessed August 31, 2015.Google Scholar from their local nurseries. Mayo Clinic does not profit from any sales of this flower.

Gedigitaliseerd maar onbenut. erfgoedwebsites en het geschiedenisonderwijs

Olivier Nyirubugara Digitized but underutilized. Heritage websites and teaching history Cultural heritage collections are to be found in cyberspace. Almost all heritage organisations have websites showing their collections. Digitizing the collections to present them online was not just meant to preserve old and fragile objects. Another goal was to be achieved, namely to strengthen the Dutch national identity, in particular that of young people. Two case studies are presented in this article: how do thirteen and fourteen year old pupils use the digitized collections with their history assignments? This research shows that websites of the cultural heritage organisations are not popular among these pupils. Hence the question why they make so little use of these websites. The main explanations for this appears to be that the websites are not easy to find by the search engines due to the lack of hyperlinks. Another cause may consist in the conservative attitude of the professionals in the field of cultural heritage.

From Ritual Form to Tourist Attraction: Negotiating the Transformation of Classical Cambodian Dance in a Changing World

According to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage website, classical Cambodian dance is a sacred practice that embodies the spiritual essence of the country’s values and traditions. This article asks, What happens when the sacred becomes the profane, the normal, the everyday? It explores how the sacred classical dance form of the past evolved into the entertainment genre it is today. Focusing on the dinner-dance show phenomenon, the author investigates negotiations that are taking place between the preservation and development of the arts in Siem Reap after decades of civil war decimated the artist population. The tourist shows both provide some economic stability for dancers and strip away some sacred aspects of the art form. The article gives insight into how a ritualistic performing art form adapts to changing environments while maintaining social relevance.

GALE: a generic open source extensible adaptation engine

This paper motivates and describes GALE, the Generic Adaptation Language and Engine that came out of the GRAPPLE EU FP7 project. The main focus of the paper is the extensible nature of GALE. The purpose of this description is to illustrate how a single core adaptation engine can be used for different types of adaptation, applied to different types of information items and documents. We illustrate the adaptive functionality on some examples of hypermedia documents. In April 2012, David Smits defended the world's first adaptive PhD thesis on this topic. The thesis, available for download and direct adaptive access at http://gale.win.tue.nl/thesis/, shows that a single source of information can serve different audiences and at the same time also allows more freedom of navigation than is possible in any paper or static hypermedia document. The same can be done for course texts, hyperfiction, encyclopedia, museum, or other cultural heritage websites, etc. We explain how to add functionality to GALE if desired, to adapt the system's behavior to whatever the application requires. This stresses our main objective: to provide a technological base for adaptive (hypermedia) system researchers on which they can build extensions for the specific research they have in mind.

Mobile Access to Cultural and Historical Heritage Web Pages

The main focus of attention in this paper is the access to websites of leading regional, national and world museums. Their accessibility from desktop and mobile devices is hereby evaluated. The paper covers a detailed analysis of the mobile operating systems, their market share in Bulgaria and the opportunities they offer to the users. The need for contemporary cultural and historical heritage websites which maintain lighter but fully-functioning mobile versions, facilitating and making their access from portable devices easier, is also wellgrounded here.