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Conserving knowledge heritage: opportunities and challenges in conceptualizing cultural heritage information system (CHIS) in the Indian context

Gireesh Kumar T.K. (Department of Library and Information Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India)
Raman Nair R. (Centre for Informatics Studies, Thiruvananthapuram, India)

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication

ISSN: 2514-9342

Article publication date: 6 August 2021

Issue publication date: 21 July 2022

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the scope, issues and challenges in conceptualizing a comprehensive cultural heritage information system (CHIS) in the Indian context and examines the feasibility of designing such a system with the support of advanced conservation strategies and technological aids.

Design/methodology/approach

As the conservation efforts and its sustenance requires the support of a knowledge base cum digital archiving tool, comprehensions on the availability and usage of different software tools are indispensable. Assessing the availability of controlled vocabularies, ontology frameworks, metadata standards, classification schemes and architectural designs, language compatibility for implementing cultural heritage system is inevitable for developing CHIS. The present study examines the availability of such schemes and systems and emphasis the need for developing a reliable information system.

Findings

A comprehensive system at the country level to efficiently document, manage and update the knowledge on cultural heritage is required. CHIS created can be engaged in visualizing the cultural heritages of the country and can act as an interactive multimedia documentation system. The virtual recreation of cultural heritage in a holistic manner can also ensure its long-term sustainability.

Originality/value

The digital archive of different expressions will be a rich source of data for research, administration and development. The archive developed should cover the cultural heritage depicted in the form of published documents, images, audios and videos, documents and visuals on performing arts, buildings, sculptures, ecosystem, monuments, utensils, etc. and the history and knowledge pertaining to them and any other property belonging to the heritage.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The author(s) are grateful to the Banaras Hindu University (BHU), vide No. R/Dev/D/IoE/Seed Grant / 202021/ for supporting the research work on Cultural Heritage Management under its Institution of Eminence (IoE).

Funding: The research work has been done as part of the ongoing project work of the first author allocated by the Institution of Eminence (IoE), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, India, under seed grant to new faculties of BHU.

Citation

T.K., G.K. and R., R.N. (2022), "Conserving knowledge heritage: opportunities and challenges in conceptualizing cultural heritage information system (CHIS) in the Indian context", Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, Vol. 71 No. 6/7, pp. 564-583. https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-02-2021-0020

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited

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