The value of mass-digitised cultural heritage content in creative contexts. Issue 1 (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Terras, Melissa; Coleman, Stephen; Drost, Steven; Elsden, Chris; Helgason, Ingi; Lechelt, Susan; Osborne, Nicola; Panneels, Inge; Pegado, Briana; Schafer, Burkhard; Smyth, Michael; Thornton, Pip; Speed, Chris
• Is Part Of: Big data & society. Volume 8:Issue 1(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: Digitisation -- creative industries -- cultural heritage -- GLAM institutions -- industrial strategy -- entrepreneurship; Big data -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Research -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Data mining -- Periodicals; 300.28557
• DOI: 10.1177/20539517211006165
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2053-9517

Abstract

How can digitised assets of Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums be reused to unlock new value? What are the implications of viewing large-scale cultural heritage data as an economic resource, to build new products and services upon? Drawing upon valuation studies, we reflect on both the theory and practicalities of using mass-digitised heritage content as an economic driver, stressing the need to consider the complexity of commercial-based outcomes within the context of cultural and creative industries. However, we also problematise the act of considering such heritage content as a resource to be exploited for economic growth, in order to inform how we consider, develop, deliver and value mass-digitisation. Our research will be of interest to those wishing to understand a rapidly changing research and innovation landscape, those considering how to engage memory institutions in data-driven activities and those critically evaluating years of mass-digitisation across the heritage sector.