Remembering the cluster: Cultural memory institutions and the JISC Learning and Teaching Programme

Abstract

Purpose

To look at what lessons can be learned from six projects in the museum or, more accurately, cultural memory cluster.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins with a brief summary of the six projects in the museum or, more accurately, cultural memory cluster: Digital Egypt, Learning in Museums Using Resources (LEMUR), Rhynie Chert, Microfossils, Virtual Norfolk, Publications and Archives in Teaching with Online Information Systems (PATOIS). It then considers some of the possible lessons to be learned from the cluster, for strategic planners including JISC and also museums and partners.

Findings

The marked diversity of the projects reflected genuine diversity among the institutions and stakeholders involved, and point to a range of implications including the importance of standards. The paper points to museums’ potential contribution to digital learning arising from their sophisticated concepts about user behaviour, methods of enabling access and knowledge of repackaging resources for new audiences. Memory institutions’ typically long‐term agenda argues against short term project funding and superficial evaluations of value, such as simple usage statistics.

Originality/value

The paper presents valuable lessons for strategic planners learned from the cultural memory cluster.

Citation

Kilbride, W. (2005), "Remembering the cluster: Cultural memory institutions and the JISC Learning and Teaching Programme", VINE, Vol. 35 No. 1/2, pp. 11-18. https://doi.org/10.1108/03055720510588407