Digital storytelling and memory institutions: A case study using activity theory. Issue 1 (27th December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Detlor, Brian; Hupfer, Maureen E.; Smith, David Harris
• Is Part Of: Proceedings of the Association for Information Science and Technology. Volume 53:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 6
• Publication Date: 2016-12-27
• Subjects: Digital storytelling -- memory institutions -- activity theory; Information science -- Congresses; Information technology -- Congresses; Information science; Information technology; Conference papers and proceedings; 020
• DOI: 10.1002/pra2.2016.14505301095
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2373-9231

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This paper describes a case study investigation of a city‐wide digital storytelling initiative led by two libraries and one municipal cultural department in Hamilton, Canada. Data collection involved one‐on‐one interviews, document review, and participant observations with governance stakeholders from the two libraries and municipal cultural department involved in the case study. Using activity theory as a conceptual framework, data were analyzed using grounded theory techniques. A variety of factors – motivations, goals, actions, tools, rules, divisions of labour, tensions and contradictions – were found to influence the implementation of the digital storytelling initiative under investigation. Importantly, activity theory provided a robust, holistic framework for understanding and describing the phenomenon of digital storytelling initiatives led by memory institutions.