An e-culture – e-museums environment for common citizens and disabled individuals. (20th May 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Drigas, Athanasios; Koukianakis, Leyteris; Glentzes, John
• Is Part Of: International journal of digital culture and electronic tourism. Volume 1:Number 4(2009)
• Page Start: 267
• Page End: 279
• Publication Date: 2009-05-20
• Subjects: e-culture environment -- cultural heritage -- information technology -- communications technology -- ICT -- digitisation -- user-centred systems -- knowledge society strategies -- design for all -- visually impaired users -- digital inclusion -- e-museums -- information for all -- disabled individuals -- web portals -- digital culture -- online museums -- electronic museums -- Greece -- Cyprus -- multimedia -- visualisation; Digital communications -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Information society -- Periodicals; Information technology -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Technology -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Technological innovations -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 303.483405
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1753-5212

Abstract

The integration of modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) within the cultural domain creates what is commonly known as e-culture. The need to create an e-culture environment arose from the undeniable fact that the cultural heritage of a nation defines it and, therefore, should be disseminated to all, regardless of their location and their disability. This article discusses an e-culture portal, which presents to any interested users, information regarding a significant number of Greek and Cypriot museums and galleries as well as their exhibits. The e-culture environment offers user-friendly navigation techniques and contemporary multimedia tools and services for the better presentation and visualisation of the e-material to the users-visitors, paying particular attention to both common citizens and to disabled individuals, in order to offer them equal access to cultural heritage information. This environment is an inter-disciplinary application, combining the ICTs, cultural and e-inclusion domains (electronic support for disabled people).