Personalization in cultural heritage: the road travelled and the one ahead

Over the last 20 years, cultural heritage has been a favored domain for personalization research. For years, researchers have experimented with the cutting edge technology of the day; now, with the convergence of internet and wireless technology, and the increasing adoption of the Web as a platform for the publication of information, the visitor is able to exploit cultural heritage material before, during and after the visit, having different goals and requirements in each phase. However, cultural heritage sites have a huge amount of information to present, which must be filtered and personalized in order to enable the individual user to easily access it. Personalization of cultural heritage information requires a system that is able to model the user (e.g., interest, knowledge and other personal characteristics), as well as contextual aspects, select the most appropriate content, and deliver it in the most suitable way. It should be noted that achieving this result is extremely challenging in the case of first-time users, such as tourists who visit a cultural heritage site for the first time (and maybe the only time in their life). In addition, as tourism is a social activity, adapting to the individual is not enough because groups and communities have to be modeled and supported as well, taking into account their mutual interests, previous mutual experience, and requirements. How to model and represent the user(s) and the context of the visit and how to reason with regard to the information that is available are the challenges faced by researchers in personalization of cultural heritage. Notwithstanding the effort invested so far, a definite solution is far from being reached, mainly because new technology and new aspects of personalization are constantly being introduced. This article surveys the research in this area. Starting from the earlier systems, which presented cultural heritage information in kiosks, it summarizes the evolution of personalization techniques in museum web sites, virtual collections and mobile guides, until recent extension of cultural heritage toward the semantic and social web. The paper concludes with current challenges and points out areas where future research is needed

Cold-start Problem in Collaborative Recommender Systems: Efficient Methods Based on Ask-to-rate Technique

To develop a recommender system, the collaborative filtering is the best known approach, which considers the ratings of users who have similar rating profiles or rating patterns. Consistently, it is able to compute the similarity of users when there are enough ratings expressed by users. Therefore, a major challenge of the collaborative filtering approach can be how to make recommendations for a new user, that is called cold-start user problem. To solve this problem, there have been proposed a few efficient methods based on ask-to-rate technique in which the profile of a new user is made by integrating information gained from a quick interview. This paper is a review of these proposed methods and how to use the ask-to-rate technique. Consequently, they are categorized into non-adaptive and adaptive methods. Then, each category is analyzed and their methods are compared

Transforming visitor experience with museum technologies: The development and impact evaluation of a recommender system in a physical museum

Over the past few decades, many attempts have been made to develop recommender systems (RSs) that could improve visitor experience (VX) in physical museums. Nevertheless, to determine the effectiveness of a museum RS, studies often encompass system performance evaluations, e.g., user experience (UX) and accuracy level tests, and rarely extend to the VX realm that museum RSs aim to support. The reported challenges with defining and evaluating VX might explain why the evidence that the interaction with an RS during the visit can enhance the quality of VX remains limited. Without this evidence, however, the purpose of developing museum RSs and the benefits of using RSs during a museum visit are in question. This thesis interrogates whether and how museum RSs can impact VX. It first consolidates the literature about VX-related constructs into one coherent analytical framework of museum experience which delineates the scope of VX. Following this analysis, this research develops and validates a VX instrument with cognitive, introspective, restorative, and affective variables which could be used to evaluate VX with or without museum technologies. Then, through a series of UX- and VX-related studies in the physical museum, this research implements a fully working content-based RS and establishes how the interaction with the developed RS transforms VX. The findings in this thesis demonstrate that the impact of an RS on the quality of VX can depend on the level of engagement with the system during a museum visit. Additionally, the impact can be insufficient on some mental processes within VX, and it can vary following the changes in contextual variables. The findings also reinforce that system performance tests cannot replace a VX-focused analysis, because a positive UX and additional information about museum objects in an RS do not imply an improved VX. Therefore, this thesis underscores that more VX-related evaluations of museum RSs are required to identify how to strengthen and extend their influence on the quality of VX

Defining digital space through a visual language

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture, 2000.This electronic version was submitted by the student author. The certified thesis is available in the Institute Archives and Special Collections.Includes bibliographical references (p. 110-111).Current approaches toward digital spaces mainly mimic the physical space that surrounds us. While this approach is valid in a wide range of applications and research, the goal of this thesis is to propose an alternative approach towards digital space based on principles of vision and memory to provide a theoretical framework for the development of a model for accessing and monitoring information. The core idea is to incorporate the principle of dynamic reaction of the space model to the point of attention of the user through methodically scaling the level of detail. The intention behind the creation of such a model is to enhance the communication between the information and the user as well as to allow multiple users to collectively influence and expand the space they view. This involves the definition of a visual language, definition of the space model and multi-user relations. Techniques proposed in this thesis are gaze tracking to map the point of attention and the programming of visual interfaces that respond dynamically to user input.by Axel Kilian.S.M

Rethinking Change

UIDB/00417/2020 UIDP/00417/2020No seguimento da Conferência Internacional sobre Arte, Museus e Culturas Digitais (Abril 2021), este e-book pretende aprofundar a discussão sobre o conceito de mudança, geralmente associado à relação entre cultura e tecnologia. Através dos contributos de 32 autores, de 12 países, questiona-se não só a forma como o digital tem motivado novas práticas artísticas e curatoriais, mas também o inverso, observando como propostas críticas e criativas no campo da arte e dos museus têm aberto vias alternativas para o desenvolvimento tecnológico. Assumindo a diversidade de perspectivas sobre o tema, de leituras retrospectivas à análise de questões e projectos recentes, o livro estrutura-se em torno de sete capítulos e um ensaio visual, evidenciando os territórios de colaboração e cruzamento entre diferentes áreas de conhecimento científico. Disponível em acesso aberto, esta publicação resulta de um projecto colaborativo promovido pelo Instituto de História da Arte, Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa e pelo maat – Museu de Arte, Arquitectura e Tecnologia. Instituição parceira: Instituto Superior Técnico. Mecenas: Fundação Millennium bcp. Media partner: revista Umbigo. Following the International Conference on Art, Museums and Digital Cultures (April 2021), this e-book seeks to extend the discussion on the concept of change that is usually associated with the relationship between culture and technology. Through the contributions of 32 authors from 12 countries, the book not only questions how digital media have inspired new artistic and curatorial practices, but also how, conversely, critical and creative proposals in the fields of art and museums have opened up alternative paths to technological development. Acknowledging the different approaches to the topic, ranging from retrospective readings to the analysis of recent issues and projects, the book is divided into seven sections and a visual essay, highlighting collaborative territories and the crossovers between different areas of scientific knowledge. Available in open access, this publication is the result of a collaborative project promoted by the Institute of Art History of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, NOVA University of Lisbon and maat – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology. Partner institution: Instituto Superior Técnico. Sponsor: Millennium bcp Foundation. Media partner: Umbigo magazine.publishersversionpublishe

Middle school art and the Internet

This graduate project focuses on the efforts of one middle school art teacher to integrate the Internet into the middle school art curriculum at one middle school in Iowa. Classrooms with Internet access increased to 63 percent in 2000 (National Center for Education Statistics, 2000) with similar numbers of school age children ( 65 percent) having Internet access in their homes (U.S. Census Bureau, 2001). Art teachers have been reluctant to embrace this technology (Matthews, 1997) even though many art education resources exist on the Internet. The Internet can provide a vast resource of artwork from web sites published by museums and galleries around the world as well as providing a means to publish artwork with the potential of worldwide exposure. Through careful orchestration, art instructors can bring engaging and valuable Internet experiences to middle school students. This project describes the author\u27s attempt to integrate Internet experiences into the middle school art curriculum. The project encompassed: (a) setting up an Internet computer lab in the art classroom; (b) identifying valuable and useful web sites; ( c) designing lessons; (d) creating an art classroom web site; and (e) establishing teacher-to-teacher and student-to-student Internet connections. Results of this project indicated the integration into the art curriculum of the Internet (with supporting technologies) can result in: (a) positive and motivating effects on student learning; (b) valuable resources for a studio-based program; ( c) the creation of artistic opportunities not available through other means; ( d) and student construction of learning in new and meaningful ways

Evangelizing the ‘Gallery of the Future’: a Critical Analysis of the Google Art Project Narrative and its Political, Cultural and Technological Stakes

This thesis explores the digitization initiative Google Art Project and the ways in which the Project negotiates its place between rapidly developing Web technologies and the often-contradictory fine art tradition. Through the Project’s marketing and website design, Google constructs a narrative that emphasizes the democratization of culture, universal accessibility and a new progressive future for the art world while obscuring more complex political, social and cultural questions. Bringing together scholarship from various disciplines including library studies, digital studies, art history, and cultural studies this thesis highlights how the Project might open up a space to talk about art publics and the desire for openness in the art institution while also recognizing how GAP remains firmly planted within that institutional structure

THE IMPACT OF LEARNING STYLES AND CULTURAL BACKGROUND ON USERS’ EXPERIENCE OF WEBSITES

Many different types of people now use websites for many sources of information. Nevertheless, the diversity and complexity of the online information available on websites and the desire to make websites provide all information for all users, regardless their interest, ability or characteristics, means that websites can be overwhelming to users. Museum websites are a case in point, trying to provide information to a great diversity of users. For these reasons, there have been numerous efforts to individualize user experiences in websites. These efforts have been based on users’ individual or group differences such as their goals, interests, preferences, knowledge, backgrounds, demographic characteristics, experience, learning styles, and culture. This programme of research investigates whether learning styles as an individual difference and cultural background as a group difference can affect web users’ experience, performance and perceived usability by conducting a card sort study, an interview study and an ecologically valid study of users’ experience with museum websites. To investigate learning styles, the Felder-Silverman Learning Style Model was used with its associated Felder-Solomon Index of Learning Styles (ILS). The ILS was developed in English, making it unsuitable for Turkish learners, one of the target cultural groups for this research programme. Therefore, the ILS was translated into Turkish and adequate reliability and validity established by administering it twice over a four-week interval to 63 undergraduate students in Turkey. Henceforth, the Turkish version of the ILS will be referred as the Turkish Index of Learning Styles (T)ILS. The aim of the card sort study was to investigate user understandings of the organization of the museum and news websites and to reveal learning styles and cultural differences between participants’ categorizations and mental models of the information architectures. The study was conducted in UK and Turkey with 214 and 90 participants, respectively. Analysis of the data showed that participants have mental models that differ substantially from the typical websites in these domains. In addition, interesting and meaningful differences were found between participants with different learning styles profiles and among British, Chinese, Indian and Turkish participants. This study also made a methodological contribution, showing that the card sort method can be used to show learning styles and cultural differences. The aim of the interview study was to investigate the perceptions of museum personnel concerning the adaptation of websites in relation to both learning styles and cultural differences among visitors and to investigate whether they were interested in these issues. Five developers from Turkey and five developers from UK and USA were interviewed and content analysis was used to analyze their responses. The study showed that almost none of the interviewees were aware of the concept of learning styles, but the majority were very interested when they were told about it. Furthermore, a majority of interviewees thought learning styles had potential to make their websites more appealing to a wider range of visitors. Lastly, most interviewees were interested in the idea of dealing with cultural differences in other ways than mere translation of texts. The final study investigated how learning styles and cultural differences affect users’ experience, performance and perception of the usability of two museum websites. It was administered in the UK with an international sample of 210 participants. Participants were asked to perform a number of tasks on these websites, the tasking being carefully chosen to direct participants to aspects of the websites that would suit particular learning styles. This study showed significant differences among users depending on their learning styles and cultural background. This study also makes an important methodological contribution in that moves away from the paradigm of trying to manipulate online materials to match or clash with users’ learning styles or other preferences. The results of this research programme will be important for developers of museum and similar websites who want to take the advantage of developing supportive websites by focusing on users’ learning styles and cultural differences

Museums: A Beacon for Change For Heritage Buildings

The integrations of additions to heritage buildings is a highly contentious and ongoing debate that transcends the field of architecture and preservation globally. Generally, experts in the field agree that an integration will change the built environment. The contention lays in how it should change. Historical architects such as Steven W. Semes have made the argument that the changes while necessary should be gradual. While others like Daniel Libeskind have advocated for additions that embody new culturally relevant ideas. This dissertation contributes to the conversation by underscoring the point that the debate should not be about defined lines on what is/is not appropriate, but rather that additions need to be a product of the community’s values and that every addition should engender something new that links it to a time and place. While this dissertation acknowledges the open-ended nature of this debate, it proposes a possible approach to the integration of additions to heritage buildings. This dissertation argues that the approach to adding to a heritage building should be structured around the needs of the community, the respectful integration with the existing building, and the inventive projection of a culturally and aesthetically sustainable addition. Qualitative analysis has been selected as the research methodology. Various approaches to integrating substantial additions to heritage buildings have been analyzed using nine detailed case studies on museums that occupy heritage buildings, found throughout the world. The case studies explore the consequences of those decisions on their immediate community; additionally, each case study highlights the building’s architectural evolution. The case studies reveal the underlying issue that adding to an existing building is highly subjective, for there are numerous variables that contribute to every design decision. Additionally, the case studies illustrate that while there are benefits to the sustainable integration of additions to heritage buildings, there are also many challenges. The objective of the dissertation is to add to the conversation of the future of heritage buildings, by highlighting the fact that the future of the built environment cannot rest in a static set of guidelines. There needs to be a dialogue with the community and the developer on how to develop an innovative but sustainable approach to integrating an addition to a heritage building.The integrations of additions to heritage buildings is a highly contentious and ongoing debate that transcends the field of architecture and preservation globally. Generally, experts in the field agree that an integration will change the built environment. The contention lays in how it should change. Historical architects such as Steven W. Semes have made the argument that the changes while necessary should be gradual. While others like Daniel Libeskind have advocated for additions that embody new culturally relevant ideas. This dissertation contributes to the conversation by underscoring the point that the debate should not be about defined lines on what is/is not appropriate, but rather that additions need to be a product of the community’s values and that every addition should engender something new that links it to a time and place. While this dissertation acknowledges the open-ended nature of this debate, it proposes a possible approach to the integration of additions to heritage buildings. This dissertation argues that the approach to adding to a heritage building should be structured around the needs of the community, the respectful integration with the existing building, and the inventive projection of a culturally and aesthetically sustainable addition. Qualitative analysis has been selected as the research methodology. Various approaches to integrating substantial additions to heritage buildings have been analyzed using nine detailed case studies on museums that occupy heritage buildings, found throughout the world. The case studies explore the consequences of those decisions on their immediate community; additionally, each case study highlights the building’s architectural evolution. The case studies reveal the underlying issue that adding to an existing building is highly subjective, for there are numerous variables that contribute to every design decision. Additionally, the case studies illustrate that while there are benefits to the sustainable integration of additions to heritage buildings, there are also many challenges. The objective of the dissertation is to add to the conversation of the future of heritage buildings, by highlighting the fact that the future of the built environment cannot rest in a static set of guidelines. There needs to be a dialogue with the community and the developer on how to develop an innovative but sustainable approach to integrating an addition to a heritage building.The integrations of additions to heritage buildings is a highly contentious and ongoing debate that transcends the field of architecture and preservation globally. Generally, experts in the field agree that an integration will change the built environment. The contention lays in how it should change. Historical architects such as Steven W. Semes have made the argument that the changes while necessary should be gradual. While others like Daniel Libeskind have advocated for additions that embody new culturally relevant ideas. This dissertation contributes to the conversation by underscoring the point that the debate should not be about defined lines on what is/is not appropriate, but rather that additions need to be a product of the community’s values and that every addition should engender something new that links it to a time and place. While this dissertation acknowledges the open-ended nature of this debate, it proposes a possible approach to the integration of additions to heritage buildings. This dissertation argues that the approach to adding to a heritage building should be structured around the needs of the community, the respectful integration with the existing building, and the inventive projection of a culturally and aesthetically sustainable addition. Qualitative analysis has been selected as the research methodology. Various approaches to integrating substantial additions to heritage buildings have been analyzed using nine detailed case studies on museums that occupy heritage buildings, found throughout the world. The case studies explore the consequences of those decisions on their immediate community; additionally, each case study highlights the building’s architectural evolution. The case studies reveal the underlying issue that adding to an existing building is highly subjective, for there are numerous variables that contribute to every design decision. Additionally, the case studies illustrate that while there are benefits to the sustainable integration of additions to heritage buildings, there are also many challenges. The objective of the dissertation is to add to the conversation of the future of heritage buildings, by highlighting the fact that the future of the built environment cannot rest in a static set of guidelines. There needs to be a dialogue with the community and the developer on how to develop an innovative but sustainable approach to integrating an addition to a heritage building.The integrations of additions to heritage buildings is a highly contentious and ongoing debate that transcends the field of architecture and preservation globally. Generally, experts in the field agree that an integration will change the built environment. The contention lays in how it should change. Historical architects such as Steven W. Semes have made the argument that the changes while necessary should be gradual. While others like Daniel Libeskind have advocated for additions that embody new culturally relevant ideas. This dissertation contributes to the conversation by underscoring the point that the debate should not be about defined lines on what is/is not appropriate, but rather that additions need to be a product of the community’s values and that every addition should engender something new that links it to a time and place. While this dissertation acknowledges the open-ended nature of this debate, it proposes a possible approach to the integration of additions to heritage buildings. This dissertation argues that the approach to adding to a heritage building should be structured around the needs of the community, the respectful integration with the existing building, and the inventive projection of a culturally and aesthetically sustainable addition. Qualitative analysis has been selected as the research methodology. Various approaches to integrating substantial additions to heritage buildings have been analyzed using nine detailed case studies on museums that occupy heritage buildings, found throughout the world. The case studies explore the consequences of those decisions on their immediate community; additionally, each case study highlights the building’s architectural evolution. The case studies reveal the underlying issue that adding to an existing building is highly subjective, for there are numerous variables that contribute to every design decision. Additionally, the case studies illustrate that while there are benefits to the sustainable integration of additions to heritage buildings, there are also many challenges. The objective of the dissertation is to add to the conversation of the future of heritage buildings, by highlighting the fact that the future of the built environment cannot rest in a static set of guidelines. There needs to be a dialogue with the community and the developer on how to develop an innovative but sustainable approach to integrating an addition to a heritage building.The integrations of additions to heritage buildings is a highly contentious and ongoing debate that transcends the field of architecture and preservation globally. Generally, experts in the field agree that an integration will change the built environment. The contention lays in how it should change. Historical architects such as Steven W. Semes have made the argument that the changes while necessary should be gradual. While others like Daniel Libeskind have advocated for additions that embody new culturally relevant ideas. This dissertation contributes to the conversation by underscoring the point that the debate should not be about defined lines on what is/is not appropriate, but rather that additions need to be a product of the community’s values and that every addition should engender something new that links it to a time and place. While this dissertation acknowledges the open-ended nature of this debate, it proposes a possible approach to the integration of additions to heritage buildings. This dissertation argues that the approach to adding to a heritage building should be structured around the needs of the community, the respectful integration with the existing building, and the inventive projection of a culturally and aesthetically sustainable addition. Qualitative analysis has been selected as the research methodology. Various approaches to integrating substantial additions to heritage buildings have been analyzed using nine detailed case studies on museums that occupy heritage buildings, found throughout the world. The case studies explore the consequences of those decisions on their immediate community; additionally, each case study highlights the building’s architectural evolution. The case studies reveal the underlying issue that adding to an existing building is highly subjective, for there are numerous variables that contribute to every design decision. Additionally, the case studies illustrate that while there are benefits to the sustainable integration of additions to heritage buildings, there are also many challenges. The objective of the dissertation is to add to the conversation of the future of heritage buildings, by highlighting the fact that the future of the built environment cannot rest in a static set of guidelines. There needs to be a dialogue with the community and the developer on how to develop an innovative but sustainable approach to integrating an addition to a heritage building.The integrations of additions to heritage buildings is a highly contentious and ongoing debate that transcends the field of architecture and preservation globally. Generally, experts in the field agree that an integration will change the built environment. The contention lays in how it should change. Historical architects such as Steven W. Semes have made the argument that the changes while necessary should be gradual. While others like Daniel Libeskind have advocated for additions that embody new culturally relevant ideas. This dissertation contributes to the conversation by underscoring the point that the debate should not be about defined lines on what is/is not appropriate, but rather that additions need to be a product of the community’s values and that every addition should engender something new that links it to a time and place. While this dissertation acknowledges the open-ended nature of this debate, it proposes a possible approach to the integration of additions to heritage buildings. This dissertation argues that the approach to adding to a heritage building should be structured around the needs of the community, the respectful integration with the existing building, and the inventive projection of a culturally and aesthetically sustainable addition. Qualitative analysis has been selected as the research methodology. Various approaches to integrating substantial additions to heritage buildings have been analyzed using nine detailed case studies on museums that occupy heritage buildings, found throughout the world. The case studies explore the consequences of those decisions on their immediate community; additionally, each case study highlights the building’s architectural evolution. The case studies reveal the underlying issue that adding to an existing building is highly subjective, for there are numerous variables that contribute to every design decision. Additionally, the case studies illustrate that while there are benefits to the sustainable integration of additions to heritage buildings, there are also many challenges. The objective of the dissertation is to add to the conversation of the future of heritage buildings, by highlighting the fact that the future of the built environment cannot rest in a static set of guidelines. There needs to be a dialogue with the community and the developer on how to develop an innovative but sustainable approach to integrating an addition to a heritage building.The integrations of additions to heritage buildings is a highly contentious and ongoing debate that transcends the field of architecture and preservation globally. Generally, experts in the field agree that an integration will change the built environment. The contention lays in how it should change. Historical architects such as Steven W. Semes have made the argument that the changes while necessary should be gradual. While others like Daniel Libeskind have advocated for additions that embody new culturally relevant ideas. This dissertation contributes to the conversation by underscoring the point that the debate should not be about defined lines on what is/is not appropriate, but rather that additions need to be a product of the community’s values and that every addition should engender something new that links it to a time and place. While this dissertation acknowledges the open-ended nature of this debate, it proposes a possible approach to the integration of additions to heritage buildings. This dissertation argues that the approach to adding to a heritage building should be structured around the needs of the community, the respectful integration with the existing building, and the inventive projection of a culturally and aesthetically sustainable addition. Qualitative analysis has been selected as the research methodology. Various approaches to integrating substantial additions to heritage buildings have been analyzed using nine detailed case studies on museums that occupy heritage buildings, found throughout the world. The case studies explore the consequences of those decisions on their immediate community; additionally, each case study highlights the building’s architectural evolution. The case studies reveal the underlying issue that adding to an existing building is highly subjective, for there are numerous variables that contribute to every design decision. Additionally, the case studies illustrate that while there are benefits to the sustainable integration of additions to heritage buildings, there are also many challenges. The objective of the dissertation is to add to the conversation of the future of heritage buildings, by highlighting the fact that the future of the built environment cannot rest in a static set of guidelines. There needs to be a dialogue with the community and the developer on how to develop an innovative but sustainable approach to integrating an addition to a heritage building.The integrations of additions to heritage buildings is a highly contentious and ongoing debate that transcends the field of architecture and preservation globally. Generally, experts in the field agree that an integration will change the built environment. The contention lays in how it should change. Historical architects such as Steven W. Semes have made the argument that the changes while necessary should be gradual. While others like Daniel Libeskind have advocated for additions that embody new culturally relevant ideas. This dissertation contributes to the conversation by underscoring the point that the debate should not be about defined lines on what is/is not appropriate, but rather that additions need to be a product of the community’s values and that every addition should engender something new that links it to a time and place. While this dissertation acknowledges the open-ended nature of this debate, it proposes a possible approach to the integration of additions to heritage buildings. This dissertation argues that the approach to adding to a heritage building should be structured around the needs of the community, the respectful integration with the existing building, and the inventive projection of a culturally and aesthetically sustainable addition. Qualitative analysis has been selected as the research methodology. Various approaches to integrating substantial additions to heritage buildings have been analyzed using nine detailed case studies on museums that occupy heritage buildings, found throughout the world. The case studies explore the consequences of those decisions on their immediate community; additionally, each case study highlights the building’s architectural evolution. The case studies reveal the underlying issue that adding to an existing building is highly subjective, for there are numerous variables that contribute to every design decision. Additionally, the case studies illustrate that while there are benefits to the sustainable integration of additions to heritage buildings, there are also many challenges. The objective of the dissertation is to add to the conversation of the future of heritage buildings, by highlighting the fact that the future of the built environment cannot rest in a static set of guidelines. There needs to be a dialogue with the community and the developer on how to develop an innovative but sustainable approach to integrating an addition to a heritage building.The integrations of additions to heritage buildings is a highly contentious and ongoing debate that transcends the field of architecture and preservation globally. Generally, experts in the field agree that an integration will change the built environment. The contention lays in how it should change. Historical architects such as Steven W. Semes have made the argument that the changes while necessary should be gradual. While others like Daniel Libeskind have advocated for additions that embody new culturally relevant ideas. This dissertation contributes to the conversation by underscoring the point that the debate should not be about defined lines on what is/is not appropriate, but rather that additions need to be a product of the community’s values and that every addition should engender something new that links it to a time and place. While this dissertation acknowledges the open-ended nature of this debate, it proposes a possible approach to the integration of additions to heritage buildings. This dissertation argues that the approach to adding to a heritage building should be structured around the needs of the community, the respectful integration with the existing building, and the inventive projection of a culturally and aesthetically sustainable addition. Qualitative analysis has been selected as the research methodology. Various approaches to integrating substantial additions to heritage buildings have been analyzed using nine detailed case studies on museums that occupy heritage buildings, found throughout the world. The case studies explore the consequences of those decisions on their immediate community; additionally, each case study highlights the building’s architectural evolution. The case studies reveal the underlying issue that adding to an existing building is highly subjective, for there are numerous variables that contribute to every design decision. Additionally, the case studies illustrate that while there are benefits to the sustainable integration of additions to heritage buildings, there are also many challenges. The objective of the dissertation is to add to the conversation of the future of heritage buildings, by highlighting the f

Full Report: Use and Users of Digital Resources: A Focus on Undergraduate Education in the Humanities and Social Sciences

A "build it and they will come" approach to many university digitization initiatives has precluded systematic investigations of the demand for these resources. Those who fund and develop digital resources have identified the general lack of knowledge about the level and quality of their use in educational settings as pressing concerns. This full report describes our research and the complete results of a large 2-year study. The purpose of our research was (1) to map the universe of digital resources available to a subset of undergraduate educators in the humanities and social sciences, and (2) to investigate how and if available digital resources are actually being used in undergraduate teaching environments. We employed multiple methods, including surveys and focus groups. Our definition of digital resources was intentionally broad and included rich media objects (e.g., maps, video, images, etc.) as well as text