Institutional Heritage Research Articles

Robert Bernasconi and the challenges of a Critical Philosophy of Race: (Un)learning to read and teach the history of moral philosophy

This essay is an attempt to determine what Robert Bernasconi’s body of work in Critical Philosophy of Race can teach us about the way in which we, philosophers and professors of philosophy, ought to treat our institutional heritage. What should we make, for instance, of moral claims made by philosophers of the modern era who – tacitly or explicitly – manifested certain levels of endorsement toward the Atlantic Slave Trade? How should we comprehend the conceptual tools that we have inherited from them, knowing that those were formulated alongside justificatory claims for the enslavement of Africans – claims that we now deem undoubtably and universally immoral? I extract from Bernasconi’s writings an implicit methodology that can be broken down into three main moves: (1) a historiographical work, akin to Michel Foucault’s ‘archaeological’ method, aimed at uncovering the material conditions that allowed for the emergence of philosophical ideas of the past, (2) a dialectical work aimed at interpreting this collection of historical data through the critical lens of race, and (3) a pedagogical work aimed at transforming the practice of academic philosophy in light of the critique. I conclude that his methodological contribution culminates in an invitation to revisit and transform the past of the institution by treating the history of academic philosophy as philosophically and conceptually relevant rather than merely incidental. Such a commitment toward critically engaging the past of our institution urges us to revisit the canon in specific ways.

Preservation and popularization of the scientific, historical and cultural heritage of the university (to the 55th anniversary of the Kemerovo State Institute of Culture)

The author examines the issues of preserving and promoting the historical, scientific, and cultural heritage of the Institute of Culture. She characterizes the heritage and the main ways of its promotion (through publishing scientific and educational works, organizing library collections, building digital resources, hosting various events, loading digital content about the Institute to the Internet environment, etc.). Special attention is paid to the capability of the specialized (library) department to solve the issues of creating, promoting, and preserving the university’s heritage as the educational and research problems. Several aspects of interaction between the Library Department and the Scientific Library of Kemerovo State Institute of Culture are discussed. The main research methods applied were: bibliometric analysis of indicators of scientific output of the faculty and students, as provided by external digital information aggregators, as well as the direct analysis of departmental reports. The Institute of Culture is seen as the object of cultural heritage for educational and scientific purposes of students of the Department Faculty of Information, Library and Museum Technologies.The author concludes, in particular, that close integration of the Institute’s library and its Library Department enables to solve complex problems related to the institutional heritage. The findings of the study may be applied in other institutes and universities of culture of the Russian Federation.

Whose pain? Whose shame? Integrating heritage and histories in Ballarat, Australia

ABSTRACT For generations a burden of misplaced shame has sat with victim-survivors of children’s institutionalisation. Experiences and memories of family separation, cultural obliteration, mistreatment, hunger, unpaid labour, curtailed educational and professional opportunities, and abuse had come to silently define and destroy the lifelong living experience of childhood incarceration. Meanwhile, institutions and the communities they are part of have been able to effectively ignore the legacies of their own trespasses, through ‘top-down’, celebratory approaches to history and heritage. In recent decades, renewed emphasis on survivor voices and agency has culminated in a range of Commonwealth and state-based reports, Inquiries and Commissions, driven by abundant survivor testimonies and truth-telling. The sense of shame and guilt over these parts of our collective histories has now re-centred on the perpetrators and enablers of abuse and mistreatment. Using interpretive heritage and historical lens this article outlines a theoretical conception of ‘integrated’ approaches to history and heritage, using real-life examples from contemporary urban development and institutional heritage in the regional Australian city of Ballarat. The authors examine changing contemporary representations of institutional Care, neglect and abuse, arguing that shifting cultural and social power is reflected in the urban landscape and cultural fabric of the associated institutions.

Disability activism and institutional heritage

ABSTRACT This article focuses on former sites of disability institutions and activism of people with disability. It argues that planning processes for redevelopment and re-use of sites of former institutions are an important focus for activism, particularly for reparative urban planning and inclusive community engagement. This argument is made through two sets of data. First, disability activism is explored in a case study of the 2021 New South Wales (Australia) Government planning proposal for rezoning Peat Island. The proposal overlooked the island’s 99-year history as an institution and excluded people with intellectual disability from engaging in planning processes. Second, the article contextualises the Peat Island case study within the authors’ empirical research with people with intellectual disability about remembering institutions. Together, these sets of data underscore links between disability history and futures by bringing together institutional heritage and urban planning with recognition of lived experiences (including activism) of people who were institutionalised. This historical context is then considered alongside present-day disability activism for a more inclusive, equitable future. The article proposes further research on disability-inclusive, reparative planning approaches to redevelopment and re-use of former sites of institutions to promote disability activist leadership and contributions to the afterlives of former institutions.

Design and Implementation of a Web Based Archive Management System (AMS) (A Case Study of Federal Polytechnic, Ile – Oluji, Ondo State)

In the modern digital era, efficient archival management systems are paramount for educational institutions to preserve institutional memory, enhance research capabilities, and streamline administrative processes. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the design and implementation of a Web-Based Archive Management System (AMS) at Federal Polytechnic, Ile – Oluji, Ondo State. Through a mixed-methods approach, encompassing qualitative analysis and quantitative evaluation, this research examines the impact of the web-based AMS on archival accessibility, administrative efficiency, and academic endeavors within the institution. The study delves into related literature, revealing insights into the significance of web-based archive management systems in educational contexts. By leveraging user-centered design principles, the system was tailored to the specific needs of administrative personnel, exam officers, lecturers, and departments. A user-friendly interface, advanced search functionalities, and secure access controls were incorporated to facilitate seamless archival material retrieval and management. The digitization of historical records transformed archival preservation, facilitating research and decision-making processes. Efficient system performance, exemplified by low database query response times, underscored the viability of the implemented AMS. The findings of this study emphasize the successful integration of technology to revolutionize archival management and administrative processes. The implemented web-based AMS serves as a model for institutions seeking to modernize their archival practices, ultimately contributing to the preservation of institutional heritage, informed decision-making, and educational excellence. The insights gained from this case study offer valuable guidance for future implementations and enhancements of similar systems in educational environments.

Defying description: searching for queer history in institutional archives

There are numerous obstacles to overcome when conducting queer historical research. While has been a steady increase in work to address the (in)visibility of queer histories and perspectives in institutional heritage collections, this work is often skewed towards outputs such as exhibitions or social media posts. As a result, very little work has been done to interrogate and transform the ways that these materials are managed and made accessible (or not). This paper considers how the lack of rich and explicit descriptive metadata shapes the (in)visibility and (in)accessibility of queer records within institutional archives. It reports the findings of a series of qualitative interviews I conducted with individuals who have searched for queer materials in archival collections in Australia. These interviews explored the practical process of searching for queer records in institutional archives; how researchers identify, locate, and access these records; and the challenges of this process—both in terms of a research methodology, and an experience for queer researchers within potentially hostile or unsafe spaces.

Institutional Determinants of Democratic Breakdown (The Case of Weimar Republic)

The paper aims to examine the institutional causes of the democratic breakdown of the Weimar Republic. To accomplish that purpose following problems were set: firstly, paper discusses current state of democracy throughout the world, its issues and challenges. Paper also underlines global trend of democratic decline. That discussion is provided to draw parallels and pinpoint relevance of the analysis. Afterwards, the research examines German political system, democratic roots and development. Moreover, constitutional changes and checks and balances are analyzed as well. The paper particularly scrutinizes evolution of German political parties and specifics of electoral system. Institutional heritage of regime change is also unveiled. The paper underlines pitfalls of Weimar Republic’s institutions that led to democratic breakdown. Apart from it, research generally outlines socio-economic background of Weimar Republic. During the research examination of documents, content analysis, comparative and historical methods were applied. The paper concludes that regarding to its institutional weakness, that is absence of electoral threshold, fragmentation of parliament and political parties, the abundance of social associations, semi-presidential system and socioeconomic situation created ground for an authoritarian takeover of the Weimar Republic.

Tourism, heritage and Islam: Fes, a tourism centre and a Tijani centre

Against the backdrop of the revival of networks of the Tijaniyya, a Muslim brotherhood flourishing right across Saharo-Sahelian Africa, religious tourism associated with pilgrim travel to Fes, the brotherhood’s “pole” (centre), sets down particular markers in the Fassi space and simultaneously reinforces other sacred topographies. The rise in religious tourism is particularly noteworthy in major Tijaniyya centres from sub-Saharan Africa to the Maghreb. This tourism is part of the living practice of Islam. It intersects with secular tourist practices directly boosted by the award of UNESCO World Heritage Site status to Fes. Religious tourists and secular tourists seek sacred or institutional heritage on designated routes, but their paths rarely cross. In Fes, tourism management of holy sites is based on segregation as secular tourists, the only group actually referred to as “tourists”, are banned from entering mosques.

Image and Signification of the Neo-Moorish Architecture in Algeria Case Study: The Big Post Office in Algiers

Algeria is one of the Maghreb countries that lived through French colonialism, a colonialism that left behind a great architectural and urban legacy that adorns Algerian cities and is an integral part of their urban landscape. This legacy consists of a mosaic of architectural styles ranging from neo-classical to buildings of the modern movement through art Deco and neo-Moorish style. The specificity of the neo-Moorish architecture, which is based on its cultural references inspired by the local architecture, has given it a special place among the inhabitants. The public buildings of the neo-Moorish style have become today's important landmarks in Algerian cities. As any form of architecture has a meaning for the users, we tried in the present work, to verify empirically the question of the social representation of the neo-Moorish style in Algeria and the relationship that a local population can maintain with an architectural heritage issued from the colonial period. This is done through a symbolic example, which is the great post office in Algiers. We opted for a qualitative approach carried out in the field with the help of a methodological tool, a questionnaire-based survey. A survey, which, despite these limits in terms of the inhabitant's predisposition and the disparity of points of view between the generations, revealed a collective acceptance and an attribution of multiple heritage values to this legacy. Finally, this will allow us to inscribe this social representation in the logics of institutional heritage.

Institutional heritage and 'that Shakespearean hazard' 1989–2019: the case of the Katona József Theatre and SzFE's Ódry Theatre

Institutional heritage and 'that Shakespearean hazard' 1989–2019: the case of the Katona József Theatre and SzFE's Ódry Theatre

Exploring Tendencies in Migrants’ Legal Consciousness Research and Uncovering Factors for Socio-Legal Integration

The current state of scientific discourse on legal consciousness occurs within a range of topics of enquiry. In this scope of research, a trendline of publications emerged which employs a narrower focus on the aspects of migrants‘ legal consciousness. As there were no systematic research aspirations in this particular field, this research explores the current scientific discourse, addresses factors for sociolegal integration and uncovers further paths for scientific enquiry as well. The following investigation adopts a method of systematic literature review which covers the time frame of research of three decades - since 1990 and introduces the main tendencies in scientific research on migrants’ legal consciousness. It addresses their geographical spectrum and reasoning that lead to scientific research. The other task was set to highlight the main factors which were identified to be affecting migrant’s legal consciousness and socio-legal integration as equally. The results of the investigation revealed a relatively small, but growing body of literature exploring migrants’ legal consciousness with a considerably narrow geographical division of the research, concentrating mainly to one continent, and with a dominant focus to national (versus comparative) context. Therefore the current field of scientific literature on migrants’ legal consciousness could benefit from the dissemination of investigations in the varied cultural environments and legal systems, as well as launching comparative studies while addressing a varying legal status. This research indicates a range of factors which plays a role in shaping migrants‘ consciousness, though few of them come into frontline while referring different migrants’ legal status. These include, but are not limited to the list, covering legal framework and social norms or ideals of the host country, as well as the encounter with the institutional sector and cultural heritage.

Strategic Changes and Policy Choices in the Governance of China’s Aging Society

Population aging has become normal in Chinese society, but the existing governance models and institutional arrangements still lack a structured and systematic response and adaptation, and the corresponding governance research has also encountered difficulties. Policy choices for the governance of China’s aging society should be based on “Chinese characteristics,” which should be developed into “Chinese advantages” in order to achieve a transformation from fragmented management to holistic governance and from a focus on the elderly population to an emphasis on the entire life cycle of the whole population, as well as the policy adjustment logic of changing from “making population change adapt to institutions” to “making institutional change adapt to population.” The current strategy for an aging society and policy arrangements should conduct strategic allocation from the standpoint of China’s demographic situation and the laws governing the development of aging. We need to recharge our ideas and innovate our systems on the basis of our cultural and institutional heritage and should set up a comprehensive and dynamic socioeconomic support system based on pluralistic co-governance and sustainable development. We should also strengthen research on the evolution of the elderly population and the development of the aging society of the future, and on this basis select an entry point for policy readjustment and even reconstruction.

Os banquetes do Yaokwa: potencialidades e limites do cinema e do património entre os Enawenê-nawê

O artigo examina a utilização do cinema em processos de patrimonialização não institucional e institucional do ritual Yaokwa do povo Enawenê-nawê em dois momentos históricos diferentes, recorrendo a depoimentos de cineastas e antropólogos indigenistas, à análise fílmica e a bibliografia ameríndia. As obras foram produzidas pelo projeto Vídeo nas Aldeias que, desde os anos 1980, desenvolve um trabalho colaborativo com comunidades indígenas na área do audiovisual. O primeiro documentário foi realizado num contexto de reflexão interna sobre a relação a estabelecer com a sociedade colonial. O segundo filme foi produzido quinze anos depois como parte do processo de patrimonialização institucional do ritual Yaokwa que tinha como objetivo alertar para os desafios ambientais que vários empreendimentos capitalistas colocavam à manutenção do modo de vida dos Enawenê-nawê.

Semillero de investigación: Estrategia educativa para promover la innovación tecnológica

La propuesta de formación del semillero de investigación, tal y como se concibió gracias al apoyo del área académica del Instituto Tecnológico José Mario Molina Pasquel y Henríquez (ITJMMPH), Campus Puerto Vallarta, refleja el interés que se tiene en concretar proyectos de desarrollo tecnológico e innovación que no solo permitan al estudiante adentrarse en la investigación básica y aplicada, sino también incursionar, por medio de la transferencia tecnológica, en la posible comercialización de sus proyectos.
 La metodología empleada es la de una investigación de acción participativa. Debido a que se busca que el estudiante desarrolle habilidades específicas para pensar de forma autónoma. Esto se expresa en dos aspectos: el primero, mediante el diseño y construcción de una propuesta de investigación individual o colectiva que propicie la participación activa, crítica, reflexiva y propositiva de todos los miembros del grupo; y el segundo, en la gestión y desarrollo de dicha propuesta. Se establecieron tres categorías de análisis: diseño del proyecto de investigación, desarrollo y seguimiento del proyecto.
 En este artículo se proponen los mecanismos administrativos, académicos y elementos metodológicos mediante los cuales se fomenta la formación de investigadores, así como la práctica de la investigación extracurricular, tanto de alumnos como docentes, para la generación y desarrollo de proyectos tecnológicos y prototipos funcionales que formarán parte del patrimonio institucional

Between the institution and the individual: What walking in a place that includes institutional heritage discloses

AbstractThis article discusses the ways in which “walking” in a place that exhibits institutional heritage (albeit is not set as a separate gallery) discloses individuality within institutional/hegemonic intent. Examining photographs taken in a place that,among other activities, comprises institutional heritage, the article adds to the literature by specifying a new mode of walking in heritage “sites.” Walking is regarded a semiotic resource; hence, the article’s insights relate to: (a) arguments in the institution, (b) definitions of “center,” (c) “attractors” in retailing and museums (as places which present heritage), and (d) the architecture of paths. The final section of the article considers heritage ineducationalinstitutions (the specific environment that the article discusses). It relates to the characteristics of classroom talk and offers recommendations for incorporating them in exhibitions dedicated to the heritage of education institutions, as a means to establish teachers’ professional identity.

Not for you? Ethical implications of archiving zines

The archival value of zines (self-published pamphlets often produced by radical and marginalized communities) as historical records has been well documented in academic research. Red Chidgey refers to zines as ‘sources of advocacy and empowerment for those who make them, an attempt to bear witness to their own lives’. As evidence of networks, cultures, linguistics and experiences of marginalized individuals and communities, zines often exist as the only representation of ephemeral and otherwise undocumented spaces, which makes them incredibly valuable as the primary source material. Following the establishment of large zine collections at heritage spaces including the Women’s Library, British Library, Wellcome Library and Tate, zines are now regularly collected and used in programming at heritage organizations. But what does it mean to archive and make use of zines – particularly those created by marginalized makers and communities – in an institutional heritage context? This article considers the ethical implications of archiving zine practice and cultures – anti-institutional in its nature – in institutional spaces. Through a case study analysis of the community-led archive project Queer Zine Archive Project, I argue that, if zines are archived, it is imperative that archive workers are critically thinking about and incorporating the originating politics of zine culture into protocols for cataloguing, access, interpretation and use of these materials.

Paths of Baltic States public research funding 1989–2010: Between institutional heritage and internationalisation

Paths of Baltic States public research funding 1989–2010: Between institutional heritage and internationalisation

Between Law and Traditions: the Practice of (Non) Participation of Girls from the Albanian Community in Macedonia in the Family Property Inheritance

In the Republic of Macedonia after the state independence (1991) property issues, we have arranged through legal norms, but there are many factors that hamper the correct implementation of the goal set out in the positive norms for property inheritance.In the literature so far, we can find information and analysis of the law, the legal and institutional heritage system, litigation cases, comparative aspects of legal norms, but there is a lack of scientific research on the reasons for the low rate of girls’ involvement in the legal part of the family property inheritance which belongs to them. Within this paper, we have analyzed the practical circumstances in Macedonia from the context of girls (non) inclusion in the family property inheritance, or more precisely “voluntary” resignation from inheritance. Rather, in focus of the analysis are the circumstances that affect their resignation.In order to reach the primary data, we realized an empirical study, i.e. a questionnaire survey, including girls (female heirs) from the Albanian community in Macedonia, which have completed the inheritance process on family property within legitimate institutions. Finally, we analyze the data and draw conclusions. Also, suggestions are given to serve the broad academic community, policy-makers, and stakeholders, who may raise issues as a problem that requires special institutional and educational treatment.

Malaksavanje ekonomskog razvoja kao posledica socijalističke prošlosti

The paper builds on previously established research results according to which the alleged superiority of the socialist institutional order is an abominable fallacy. The main point in proving that the old systems had in fact been inferior consists in underlining their unsustainability. The high rates of growth achieved in some past socialist periods are not the true indicators of the old systems' efficiency, because they could not be maintained permanently. The central points of the paper relate to the misperception about the socialist system having been satisfactorily efficient, and to the abysmal consequences of the socialist institutional heritage. The transition crises are the product of the old system, and ascribing them to the market-based system is a grave error. Moreover, the legacies of the old system fatally constrain the workings of the new one and prevent it from realizing its full potential. The systemic change has not only been accompanied by false ideas about comparative efficiency of the alternative arrangements but, more than that, it made it possible and revealed the harmful effects of the socialist past on the reaches and true potentialities of the new decentralized and private property based institutional order.

Facilitating preservation through collaboration: Harmonising practices across university departments

In 2015, the Indiana University’s (IU’s) Communications Department partnered with IU Bloomington Libraries to collect and preserve born-digital institutional heritage. While this department utilises Widen as its enterprise digital asset management system, storage limitations necessitated the partnership in order for the objects to persist. Starting with 5 TB of content, IU librarians collaborated with the University Archives in order to analyse the digital objects’ metadata and determine a workflow for ingestion and long-term preservation of digital objects. This partnership expanded to include the IU Kelley School of Business as well, leading to new challenges in terms of aligning practices across various units. The partnership between IU Communications, Kelley School of Business and the IU Libraries has posed many challenges to the existing infrastructure. It has required both social and technical solutions in order to establish a collaborative workflow that will in turn provide the basis for similar future projects with other schools and departments.