scholarly journals Using an Experimental Online Digital Collection with Interactive Features to Investigate Attitudes Towards Archives 2.0

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
George Reid Perkins

<p>Research Problem: The concept of Archives 2.0 is currently generating much interest within academic and professional discourse in the cultural heritage sector. As yet, however, little research has been done in New Zealand on what potential users and implementers of Archives 2.0 perceive as being the advantages or disadvantages with this idea. Methodology: This study used a two stage approach. In the first stage an experimental prototype of an Archives 2.0 website was constructed using local cultural heritage resources. This was intended to served as a reference point for discussions about the practical possibility and value of sites of this kind. In the second stage nine qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with practitioners and others having a professional interest in cultural heritage collections. They were asked about their perceptions of the practices associated with Archives 2.0 and the current situation in New Zealand Results: This study found considerable interest in the possibilities represented by Archives 2.0. However, there was also concern about the extra burden on staff resources it was seen to entail. Given this it was generally felt that major projects of this kind would not be feasible within the current economic climate. Implications: This study suggests that the Archives 2.0 concept does have potential for development within the New Zealand cultural heritage sector. However ways will have to be found around concerns over resource constraints before further progress is made.</p>

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
George Reid Perkins

<p>Research Problem: The concept of Archives 2.0 is currently generating much interest within academic and professional discourse in the cultural heritage sector. As yet, however, little research has been done in New Zealand on what potential users and implementers of Archives 2.0 perceive as being the advantages or disadvantages with this idea. Methodology: This study used a two stage approach. In the first stage an experimental prototype of an Archives 2.0 website was constructed using local cultural heritage resources. This was intended to served as a reference point for discussions about the practical possibility and value of sites of this kind. In the second stage nine qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with practitioners and others having a professional interest in cultural heritage collections. They were asked about their perceptions of the practices associated with Archives 2.0 and the current situation in New Zealand Results: This study found considerable interest in the possibilities represented by Archives 2.0. However, there was also concern about the extra burden on staff resources it was seen to entail. Given this it was generally felt that major projects of this kind would not be feasible within the current economic climate. Implications: This study suggests that the Archives 2.0 concept does have potential for development within the New Zealand cultural heritage sector. However ways will have to be found around concerns over resource constraints before further progress is made.</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Kirsten Donna Francis

<p>This research project investigates the digital collections from selected heritage organisations, exploring how/if the rights of indigenous peoples are being protected by policy and protocol documents on the World Wide Web. It purposively surveys selected heritage collections across Australia and New Zealand and explores digital collection policies at local and national level, investigating the extent of international pressure, socio-cultural influences, and legislative constraints. This research project uses qualitative methodology in an interpretive way, using the hermeneutic circle and method for the collation for data and analysis. The major theoretical finding of this research project is that many cultural heritage organisations attempt to bridge the gap between Anglo-American development of legislation and indigenous intellectual property rights by the inclusion of specific policy measures becoming in effect socio-cultural agents for change</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Geraldine Lewis

<p>Research Problem: The purpose of this research was to discover the factors that influence a New Zealand lawyer’s use of and ability to develop effective electronic information seeking behaviour. There have been no previous studies undertaken in New Zealand to understand the cognitive reasons and the reasons directly related to the resources themselves that impact on why lawyers do, or do not look for information effectively from electronic resources. Methodology: A phenomenological study design was used in order to understand an event from the viewpoint of the participants. Nine New Zealand lawyers participated, providing demographic information and taking part in semi-structured interviews. In addition two of these lawyers took part in a further participant observation. Results: The results indicated that factors personal to the applicant such as their previous training, electronic experience, personality and age have an impact on their ability to develop effective electronic information seeking behaviour. In addition external factors such as cost, time and lack of access directly related to electronic resources also have an impact. Implications: Based on the findings of this report it was found that electronic resources were considered to be an important part of a lawyer’s work and gaining increasing significance. However not all lawyers have the ability to make full use of these electronic resources. Therefore it is important that lawyers are provided with the opportunity to undertake appropriate training and to access high quality electronic resources. Further study needs to be undertaken to look at strategies and training methods required by lawyers and their employers to improve these skills.</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Geraldine Lewis

<p>Research Problem: The purpose of this research was to discover the factors that influence a New Zealand lawyer’s use of and ability to develop effective electronic information seeking behaviour. There have been no previous studies undertaken in New Zealand to understand the cognitive reasons and the reasons directly related to the resources themselves that impact on why lawyers do, or do not look for information effectively from electronic resources. Methodology: A phenomenological study design was used in order to understand an event from the viewpoint of the participants. Nine New Zealand lawyers participated, providing demographic information and taking part in semi-structured interviews. In addition two of these lawyers took part in a further participant observation. Results: The results indicated that factors personal to the applicant such as their previous training, electronic experience, personality and age have an impact on their ability to develop effective electronic information seeking behaviour. In addition external factors such as cost, time and lack of access directly related to electronic resources also have an impact. Implications: Based on the findings of this report it was found that electronic resources were considered to be an important part of a lawyer’s work and gaining increasing significance. However not all lawyers have the ability to make full use of these electronic resources. Therefore it is important that lawyers are provided with the opportunity to undertake appropriate training and to access high quality electronic resources. Further study needs to be undertaken to look at strategies and training methods required by lawyers and their employers to improve these skills.</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Julia Mary Thompson

<p>This study explored the factors affecting the nature and extent of the collection of   born digital materials for long-term retention by collecting repositories in New Zealand cultural  heritage institutions, below the national level. This included exploration of selection factors,  limiting and enabling factors affecting activities, preservation and acquisition policies for born  digital materials, preservation procedures, and perceptions of roles and responsibilities. This two  phase, mixed methods study consisted of a broad web survey followed by semi-structured  interviews. The collecting repositories studied hold a range of born digital materials, but in  small quantities. The collection of born digital heritage seems to be a new activity that requires  additional resourcing and skills that are lacking in many of these collecting repositories. Levels  of policy development are low and there is generally a lack of procedures for preserving born  digital materials. However respondents generally perceived that collecting and preserving born  digital materials was part of their role. The study concludes that the  traditionally passive approach to acquisition of many of the collecting archives   studied, combined with a lack of resourcing and expertise, pose a threat to the long term  accessibility of local and regional born digital heritage. Some recommendations for action are  provided.</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Leah Johnston

<p>Research problem: The purpose of this case study was to identify the attitudes of reference archivists at Archives New Zealand towards the use of social media. Analysis of the results aimed to determine whether attitudes expressed were affecting the organization’s current use of social media. Methodology: Thematic analysis was employed to identify themes of attitudes expressed by the archivists during semi-structured interviews. In turn content analysis was undertaken to determine Archives New Zealand’s current use of social media. Results: Analysis of the data showed that archivists were able to see the opportunities that the use of social media could bring. Although some concerns were expressed the overall impression given that it would be used in future but first a strategic plan need be put in place. Implications: Although results provide some insight, as a relatively small study it would be beneficial for further research to be undertaken. Additionally, a similar study of user attitudes would provide a more balanced view of the use of social media at Archives New Zealand.</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Jared Davidson

<p>Research problem: Despite a significant amount of research on archival users, only a small number of studies have focused solely on the non-user. This study investigated non-user understandings of archives in Aotearoa New Zealand to learn about their awareness of archives, perceptions of accessibility and use, and views on an archives’ purpose and societal role. This included whether non-users valued archives and what this said about the democratic archival contract. Methodology: A qualitative research design influenced by critical theory was employed. Eight non-user samples of individuals over the age of 18 were purposively selected within the population of Aotearoa New Zealand, covering variables of geographical location, socio-economic status, education, gender, age, and ethnicity. Three activist samples were also included. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically. Results: While their image of an archive was generally accurate and positive, participants had little knowledge of how they were organised. Archives were highly valued and viewed as accessible places for those who needed it, but with clear differences to other institutions. These differences prevented half of the sample with a need to use an archive from doing so. The archival contract was generally accepted, but was problematized in terms of access and cultural bias. Implications: The findings support the view that understandings of archives greatly influence use. Although limited to a small and geographically specific sample, this study enables archives to know more about potential users, and design, target and implement outreach in order to raise awareness and increase use.</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Julia Mary Thompson

<p>This study explored the factors affecting the nature and extent of the collection of   born digital materials for long-term retention by collecting repositories in New Zealand cultural  heritage institutions, below the national level. This included exploration of selection factors,  limiting and enabling factors affecting activities, preservation and acquisition policies for born  digital materials, preservation procedures, and perceptions of roles and responsibilities. This two  phase, mixed methods study consisted of a broad web survey followed by semi-structured  interviews. The collecting repositories studied hold a range of born digital materials, but in  small quantities. The collection of born digital heritage seems to be a new activity that requires  additional resourcing and skills that are lacking in many of these collecting repositories. Levels  of policy development are low and there is generally a lack of procedures for preserving born  digital materials. However respondents generally perceived that collecting and preserving born  digital materials was part of their role. The study concludes that the  traditionally passive approach to acquisition of many of the collecting archives   studied, combined with a lack of resourcing and expertise, pose a threat to the long term  accessibility of local and regional born digital heritage. Some recommendations for action are  provided.</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Nigel Taptiklis

<p>A confluence of factors including population growth, climate change, resource constraints and legacy effects poses significant challenges to the sustainability of cities worldwide. With the deep complexity inherent in socio-ecological systems, 'solutions' sometimes shift the problem in space or time or drive the system in the opposite direction than intended. A case study into climate change adaptation and community resilience in the context of urban water management was undertaken in Wellington, New Zealand, using a 'post normal' science approach. Climate change and water demand scenarios for 2040 and 2090 were analysed using Greater Wellington Water’s 'sustainable yield' model and downscaled general circulation climate model data. Semi-structured interviews and a systems modelling workshop were conducted in order to gain an understanding of the local context for adaptation, resilience and response option selection. With a 20% reduction of aggregate per capita demand and greater storage capacity, Wellington has sufficient water from current sources to smooth increased flow variability due to climate change and to meet increased demand from the projected increase in population. Adaptation pathways and the potential for 'maladaptation' is explored and an integrated framework for optimising urban water resilience developed.</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Leah Johnston

<p>Research problem: The purpose of this case study was to identify the attitudes of reference archivists at Archives New Zealand towards the use of social media. Analysis of the results aimed to determine whether attitudes expressed were affecting the organization’s current use of social media. Methodology: Thematic analysis was employed to identify themes of attitudes expressed by the archivists during semi-structured interviews. In turn content analysis was undertaken to determine Archives New Zealand’s current use of social media. Results: Analysis of the data showed that archivists were able to see the opportunities that the use of social media could bring. Although some concerns were expressed the overall impression given that it would be used in future but first a strategic plan need be put in place. Implications: Although results provide some insight, as a relatively small study it would be beneficial for further research to be undertaken. Additionally, a similar study of user attitudes would provide a more balanced view of the use of social media at Archives New Zealand.</p>


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