Digital Resources From Cultural Institutions For Use In Teaching And Learning

ECEL2006-5th European Conference on e-Learning

The Library in the Twenty-first Century

Social, cultural and technological developments are revolutionizing library services. The way ahead for the profession is now generally seen as a practical blend of traditional and electronic materials with integrated support services which fit seamlessly into users' normal ways of working. This is leading to a fundamental rethinking of the role of the library in society. Drawing on the author's recent research, this timely second edition of The Library in the Twenty-first Century offers a clear new model of how traditional and electronic sources can co-exist in the library of the future, building on the previous work by focusing on the library as a vehicle for encouraging creativity as well as a provider of information resources. It is now commonplace that libraries have a major role to play as expert intermediaries, helping users to gain access to the tools needed for effective acquisition and use of information, within the broader context of the networked information world. But it is beginning to be recognized that they still have a profounder role within their communities, and this book emphasizes that beyond the intermediary role is the vital requirement to promote understanding and engagement. Written by one of our most experienced librarians and drawing on a range of international research and development experience, this authoritative work offers the following topics: libraries in the modern world the view from the sectors cross-sectoral models the profession's view digital libraries what is a good library? linking users to resources beyond the intermediary the library user the information universe. Readership: This incisive text, supported by an extensive glossary and bibliography, proposes a practical agenda of issues for the information profession to tackle, and is essential reading for both established library practitioners and LIS students, as well as for library managers and administrators across all sectors.

Negotiating Digital Heritage Infrastructures

Negotiating Digital Heritage Infrastructures examines the infrastructural qualities of museum work that influence the ability of cultural institutions to support participatory and socially inclusive missions. Drawing on data gathered in Scotland, Sweden, and Germany and taking an infrastructure studies approach, the book focuses on the socio-technical negotiations underpinning the everyday practices of museum staff. The book examines the work that is done behind the scenes, including the everyday tasks of collecting, archiving, displaying museum objects and retrieving information. Tran argues that while the technical components of infrastructure are necessary for memory-making and knowledge production, it is the social part of museum infrastructure that enables more open and decentralised modes of memory-making. The book shows how these negotiations affect the ability of museum infrastructures to accommodate and support growth and development, expanding access and establishing modes of connection to external partners and services. It illuminates the less visible practices of museums, which nevertheless directly affect their more public, outward-facing activities. Negotiating Digital Heritage Infrastructures will be of interest to academics and students who are engaged in the study of museums and heritage. It will be particularly useful to those with an interest in public participation, social inclusion, heritage management, the digitisation of collections, data aggregation, and human-centred design approaches.