A framework of image use among archaeologists, architects, art historians and artists

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to report on a research study which examined how and why images were used by professional image users to inform the design and development of information systems and services. Design/methodology/approach -A total of 20 participants in four user groups, archaeologist, architect, art historian and artist, took part in this qualitative research study. Data was collected through a survey and one-on-one semi-structured interview and data analysis was completed using case-ordered displays and the constant comparative method. Findings -The findings revealed that image use varied according to profession. Archaeologists and art historians identified using images within their lecture presentations, and for research and publications. While architects and artists noted using images for research and design creation, their work products differed. Several reasons why these professionals used images in their work were identified: knowledge, conceptual model, inspiration, cognitive recall, critical thinking, emotion, engagement, marketing, proof, social connection, translation, and trust. Research limitations/implications -Study limitations include the small number of user groups, and methods dependent on participants' abilities to recall and clearly articulate past activities.Originality/value -The study clarifies the varied roles visual information plays in the work of archaeologists, architects, art historians and artists. As the paper reveals how and why images are used, its contents are particularly useful for systems designers, librarians and other individuals who support image users.

Questioning the visual: Research methods and the problem of perception

“…Recently several studies examining topics beyond the traditional focus of research have been noted within the LIS discipline. These have included studies which have examined how users search for images (Choi, 2010; Matusiak, 2006), how images are used to communicate information (Snyder, 2012), why images are used in practice (Beaudoin, 2014; McCay‐Peet & Toms, 2009), users' image needs (Yoon & Chung, 2011) and an exploratory study of the impact of scholarly images (Kousha, Thelwall & Rezaie, 2010). In addition to these studies, focused on images and their users, are the studies employing visual methods within their research design.…”

Usage Data of Images from a Digital Library Informs Four Areas of Digital Library Management: Metadata Creation, System Design, Marketing and Promotion, and Content Selection

“…The authors note the limitations of the study, including the possibility of the sample not being representative of the overall user population of the digital library, or of all the uses of the data. The literature review successfully builds on previous research methodologies, including coding schemes for image use (Chung & Yoon, 2011), and the replication of three research questions previously asked by Beaudoin (2014). Despite the integration of relevant methodologies, the authors do not appear to have integrated recommendations of previous research into their own digital library management practice.…”

Grey literature – grey sources? Nuancing the view on professional documentation

“…Recently attention has been directed to archaeologists' use of images. The conclusion is that while images have a crucial role in the development of archaeology as a discipline (as means of documentation and through visualizations of classifications), and while image use is common among contemporary archaeologists, the theoretical aspects of archaeological image use and image use contexts are still to be addressed (Moser, 2012;Beaudoin, 2014). Archaeologists are also sometimes included as a subset within larger empirical groups in studies of information needs and uses in the humanities.…”

“…Other than maps, non-codex-like information sources are rare in the bibliographical lists. In previous studies archaeological materials, aggregates of original materials, and images have been described as information sources vital to archaeologists (Beaudoin, 2014;Huvila, 2014a;cf. Moser, 2012).…”

“…Moser, 2012;Beaudoin, 2014;Huvila, 2014a). The study also contributes as an examination of archaeological information use in a specific context, which has been requested by previous researchers (Kansa and Kansa, 2011;Moser, 2012;Huvila, 2014b).…”