Introduction: migrating heritage - experiences of cultural networks and cultural dialogue in Europe

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Cultural Networks and Social Inclusion of Migrants in Europe: Heritage, ICT, and Participatory Governance

The “Digital Heritage: Spotlight on Europe” column examines technological advances internal and external to cultural institutions. The digital shift changed radically how cultural heritage is made, disseminated, distributed, accessed, consumed, and monetized. One of the most important revolutions is that the user's role changed dramatically, shifting from passive observers to active participants and content producers with many new and exciting opportunities for engagement, creative use, and access. The strength of the column is its broad, international focus, and contributors are encouraged to explore issues and recent advances in digital heritage theories, methodologies, standards relevant to the European region, as well as the larger, global audience. This study brings together and critically reflects on the social, policy, and technological contexts within which cultural heritage institutions are addressing current challenges of social inclusion in Europe. It explores the role of cultural networks in helping institutions and their host societies to manage the tensions and realise the opportunities arising from migration. The concept of “migrating heritage” is proposed to tackle this complex interdisciplinary research area

The Information Mapping Board Game: a Collaborative Investigation of Asylum Seekers and Refugees’ Information Practices in England, UK

Introduction. This paper discusses the use of an information mapping board game for collaboratively identifying information practices of a small group of asylum seekers and refugees in the North East of England, UK. Method. Drawing on participatory visual methods, an original information mapping board game was designed. Analysis. Qualitative results are discussed and analysed using grounded theory, constant comparative analysis, and situational mapping. Results. The use of an information mapping board game allows participants going through the asylum process to become actively involved in mapping and sharing their own information practices, sources and barriers within a playful collaborative environment. It enables participants to become aware of their acquired information literacy by sharing knowledge, and to adapt the game to reflect their needs and knowledge. Conclusion. This study indicates that participatory techniques such as the information mapping board game have the potential to engage hard to reach populations in the research process, to foster their agency, confidence, and capacities, and to inform actions at a local level

Bridging European Communities: Investigating Networks and Collaborations Models for Museums, Libraries and Public Cultural Institutions

This paper presents an overview of the original research under development within the EU-funded FP7 SSH MeLA project, Research Field 03 (RF03) "Network of Museums, Libraries and Public Cultural Institutions." In this Research Field we are investigating innovative coordination strategies be-tween public European museums, libraries and public cultural institutions, for the benefi t of multicultural audiences and towards European integration. Museums and libraries, in particular, developed as historically separate insti-tutional contexts and distinct cultures, yet their commonalities are increasingly important to their sustainability in a globalised world. However, a theoretical framework to scope and address such collaborative model still needs to be developed in the specific context of a transnational and multicultural European society. The Research Field 03 team is framing its research along four thematic areas: Narratives for Europe, European Cultural and Scientific Heritage, Migration and Mobility, and Collaboration Models. Th e goal of our investigation is to lay the foundations for a theoretical framework sup-porting coordination and networking between museums, libraries and public cultural institutions at European level

Interoperability for digital repositories: towards a policy and quality framework

Interoperability is a property referring to the ability of diverse systems and organisations to work together. Today interoperability is considered a key-step to move from isolated digital repositories towards a common information space that allow users to browse through different resources within a single integrated environment. In this conference we describe the multi-level challenges that digital repositories face towards policy and quality interoperability, presenting the approaches and the interim outcomes of the Policy and Quality Working Groups within the EU-funded project DL.org (http://www.dlorg.eu/)

Interoperability for digital repositories: towards a policy and quality framework

Interoperability is a property referring to the ability of diverse systems and organisations to work together. Today interoperability is considered a key-step to move from isolated digital repositories towards a common information space that allow users to browse through different resources within a single integrated environment. In this conference we describe the multi-level challenges that digital repositories face towards policy and quality interoperability, presenting the approaches and the interim outcomes of the Policy and Quality Working Groups within the EU-funded project DL.org (http://www.dlorg.eu/)

Exploring information behaviour and meaningful experience amongst hikers on the West Highland Way

This paper discusses the information behaviour of hikers on the West Highland Way in Scotland by exploring meaningful experiences described by fifty participants walking the route.Methods. Using an ethnographic approach, participants were interviewed in the field at sites on the West Highland Way using semi-structured questions. Qualitative results are discussed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis and links to literature are established. Two types of meaningful experience were found in the interview data: connections with nature and social connections. Profound natural connections were found to feature embodied information from sensory interaction with the environment, resulting in a contemplative mindset and offering well-being benefits. Social connections with family, friends and fellow walkers were also described as meaningful, situating the activity as a ‘higher thing’ and demonstrating further well-being benefits. This initial study indicates that natural and social connections are key to meaningful experience in walking the West Highland Way. A broader information behaviour study based on this work will further explore the use of embodied information, contemplation in information science, serious leisure as a ‘higher thing’, and well-being benefits.Peer Reviewe

Library based walking groups in Scotland: exploring benefits, challenges, and opportunities

Public libraries support a range of health and wellbeing activities, however little research has been done into the provision of library adult walking groups. This paper reports on a unique study exploring how widely adult walking groups are provided through Scottish public libraries, as well as library staff perceptions of the benefits, challenges and opportunities of this service. A rich qualitative research approach was used, involving Freedom of Information requests to the 32 Scottish local authority regions, an online questionnaire with 106 complete responses, and 8 follow-up interviews with Scottish public library staff, with and without walking group experience. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes from collected data. Results show that adult walking groups are not widely provided through Scottish public libraries. However, respondents identified benefits for user groups, including but not limited to: improvements to participants’ health and social wellbeing; and increased engagement with library services. A range of opportunities for public libraries were highlighted, including staff interest, partnership working, and a current focus on health and wellbeing. Challenges encompass resource restrictions, variations in partnership working, and lack of effective networking. This original study provides valuable insights into the provision of public library walking groups in Scotland. It suggests that many factors can potentially influence the success of this library health and wellbeing service, with a range of different possible approaches. Results indicate that successful provision of a public library walking group may require close partnership working; adequate networking and information-sharing between public library staff; as well as sufficient resources; and staff interest. This exploratory study provides transferable insights and a basis for future research

Can you feel it? The information behaviour of creative DJs

Design/methodology/approach -- From a set of semi-structured interviews with twelve experienced DJs in Scotland, UK, that were subjected to inductive thematic analysis, we present a model of how DJs undergo the process of planning, performing, and evaluating a DJ performance. Purpose -- This paper investigates the information behaviour of creative DJs, a group previously not considered from the perspective of information studies. The practice of DJing is a musically creative process, where a performance can draw on a vast range of music to create a unique listening and dancing experience. We study what are the information behaviour processes involved in creative DJing and what roles embodied information play in DJing practice. Findings -- From this study a model of creative DJs’ information behaviour is presented. This three-stage model describes the information behaviours and critical factors that influence DJs’ planning, decision-making and verification during the pre-performance, performance and post-performance stages, with particular emphasis on DJs’ performances as a rich site of embodied information interactions. Originality/value -- This research provides insight into a new activity in information behaviour, particularly in the use of embodied information, and presents a model for the information behaviour of creative DJs. This opens the way for future studies to consider minorities within the activity, the audience as opposed to the performer, as well as other creative activities where physicality and performance are central