Download - Hebridean Connections
Hebridean Connections
Tristan ap RheinalltProject Manager
Outline First project phase, 2004-07 Current project phase, 2013-
15 Hebridean Connections in a
network context Challenges The future
All images in this presentation are © Hebridean Connections or one of its member societies
First project phase Initiative by comainn eachdraidh
(local historical societies) Main funder: Heritage Lottery
Fund Four founder members: Pairc,
Bernera, Uig, Kinloch Two others joined later: Berneray,
Carloway Project objective: website
development
Comainn eachdraidh Community-based
organisations First comann eachdraidh:
Ness, 1977 19 active societies today,
from Butt to Barra Some but not all have
premises Membership varies greatly,
average 250
The website System development: exeGesIS
Ltd 24,000 published records People, places, historical events,
stories, poetry, traditions, images, sound recordings....
All records interlinked Key resource for genealogical and
historical research, used all over the world
“Absolutely amazing site.”
“I want to thank you and congratulate you on the finest website I have run across in some time.” “I have not come across any other website during my research that comes close to providing the amount of information that this website provides.”
User feedback
Current project phase Main funder: People &
Communities Fund Others: HIE, CnES, comainn
eachdraidh Managed by the Islands Book
Trust Eight founder societies (now ten
full members) Broader objectives, e.g. digital
inclusion, volunteering/health System development: Aberdeen
University
Demo system
Image linked to record
Other links
List of record types
General search
Person record
Summary stats
Non-IT project outcomes Job creation Skills development among
community volunteers Increased interest in volunteering Development of network of
heritage organisations and volunteers
Higher profile for local heritage and language
More integrated communities Boost to cultural tourism
Networking: background On the whole, comainn eachdraidh
tend to work independently but collaborate on specific projects or initiatives.
Hebridean Connections website: effective collaboration to achieve a specific outcome.
An Caidreachas Eachdraidh: partnership with focus on managing funding.
The Hebridean Connections network
Project team
Full members (currently 10)
Other comainn eachdraidhOther heritage organisations and interested parties
General public
Funders
Partners
IBT
Website user feedback
Project team
CE
CE
CE
CE
Genera
l pub
lic v
ia w
ebsi
te
Enquiry or information
Reply or acknowledgment
Enquiry, collated information
Reply
Possible website update
Publicise
System development
Project team
CE
CE
CE
CE
Develop software
Refine requirements, test system
Demonstrate system
Provide feedback
Aberdeen Universit
y
Social media training
Project team
CE
CE
CE
CE
Deliver initial trainingIndividual CE training sessions
Follow-up training on request
HIE
Own experience
General requests
Project team
Com-munity
org.
CE
Other
What IT equipment should we purchase? (CE)
What info do CE have about Harris Tweed? (Harris Tweed Authority)
Can we coordinate CE codes used to number images? (Tasglann)
We have a potential volunteer interested in history. Can someone give him work? (Volunteer Centre)
We have some books in need of conservation. What should we do with them? (CE)
Can we use images from website for display/exhibition? (ISO Design, An Lanntair)
Can you post a photo on FB to see if people can be identified? (CE)
Can we interview CE representatives about their views on digitising heritage info? (university)
Can you organise training on GPS? (CE)
Who is the right contact for...? (lots)
Challenges: engagement
Benefits must be apparent Organisations potentially involved
are very diverse Geographical factors Scepticism Some prefer to go it alone...
Challenges: interaction
Identify channels of communication
Target own resources appropriately
Respect the rhythm of voluntary organisations
Joint initiatives – least responsive may dictate the pace
The future
Expand website Refine communications Attract more core members Strengthen links with wider community of historical
societies Establish relationships with other heritage
organisations Achieve sustainability...