Linking to the past: an analysis of community digital heritage initiatives

This version may not include final proof corrections and does not include published layout or pagination. are protected by copyright and intellectual property law. If you believe that any material held in 'OpenAIR@RGU' infringes copyright, please contact [email protected] with details. The item will be removed from the repository while the claim is investigated. Structured Abstract Purpose – Community initiatives to collate and manage different kinds of cultural forms and resources are a popular way for local people to engage with the heritage of their area. These initiatives are often heavily dependent, however, upon short-term funding and long-term efforts of a few dedicated individuals. This paper explores how community digital archives offer scope to widen participation in cultural activities and investigates the sustainability of these initiatives. Design/methodology/approach – a case study approach was taken of Hebridean Connections, which is a community managed, online historical resource. This paper is primarily based on interview data with key stakeholders, all of whom are based in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Findings – Participation in Hebridean Connections was reported in positive terms by respondents and many cited that it was a good way to reconnect with diasporic populations and that they believed that this would encourage tourism. It was also 2 'This article is (c) Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here (https://openair.rgu.ac.uk/). Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited.' reported that the system of linked records added value to the collections as previously undiscovered connections could be made that would not be possible without the electronic resource. Practical implications – The paper provides insights into socio-cultural dimensions of community digital archives and in particular the challenges of sustainability that these initiatives have. Originality/value – Few studies have been undertaken examining community digital archives. The multidisciplinary nature of the study also brings together different perspectives on the area of enquiry. Acknowledgments CURIOS (Cultural Repositories and Information Systems) is supported by the Rural Digital Economy Research Hub (EPSRC EP/G066051/1). We are grateful to all stakeholders in Hebridean Connections who gave up their time to share their experiences and opinions with us. 3 'This article is (c) Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here (https://openair.rgu.ac.uk/).