Curating in the Open: A Case for Iteratively and Openly Publishing Curatorial Research on the Web

Abstract

Through a case study of using social media tools to open up part of the curatorial research process for an online exhibit on the history of astronomy at the Library of Congress, I offer some initial ideas about how an open approach to sharing curatorial research could significantly expand the impact and reach of such work. Drawing on three distinct emerging conceptions and frameworks for the idea of “open” (open notebook science, linked open data, and open innovation) I suggest how this case study can be used to guide work with existing simple and inexpensive tools and how it could also inform the development of future tools, services and exhibit development methods. This work builds on an ongoing discussion of open data in libraries, archives, and museums. To date, most of that dialog is about object records and not about the stories and narratives cultural heritage institutions tell about them. I suggest ways to make the production of cultural heritage data, as well as the final outputs, part of an open and transparent process.

Open Data for Open Innovation: An Analysis of Literature Characteristics

“…In the knowledge areas of Medicine, Molecular Medicine, Pharmacology and Chemoinformatics, the positive impact of open data and open innovation on drug discovery and development processes is analysed [77,79]. Lastly, in Museology, the impetus of open data and open innovation in museums, libraries and archives is discussed [63].…”

Value co‐creation in cultural heritage information practices: Literature review and future agenda: An Annual Review of Information Science and Technology (ARIST) paper

“…In general, the models of VCC in the cultural heritage domain emphasize participation and collaboration between various stakeholders to create value and enhance the overall experience and appreciation of cultural heritage information practices. It recognizes that cultural heritage is not solely the responsibility of • Open data curation in GLAMs (Owens, 2016) • Cultural co-creation in museums (Blaschitz et al, 2022) • Digital curation practices in digital humanities (Poole, 2017;Sabharwal, 2021) •…”

“…These roles are reflected in some projects initiated and led by GLAMs. When GLAMs are involved as auxiliary institutions, the role of GLAMs is mainly focused on providing infrastructure (Prandi et al, 2019), services (Owens, 2016), and information professions (Zhang et al, 2020). Regarding funding, as GLAMs are non‐profit organizations, it isn't easy to provide direct financial support, and in a few cases, they mainly assist in applying for external funding (Million, 2021).…”