“Sense of place” in digital collections

Abstract

Purpose

Internet sites about geographical locations attempt to articulate and convey “sense of place”, a concept that relates to the unique identity and meaning attached to place. This paper aims to review the variety of resource types, metadata sources, and navigation features that are used by “sense of place” web sites to communicate with and involve the user. Assessment of place‐based digital collection sites is discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

Current place‐based sites were reviewed to show the diversity and range of content as well as metadata options, applications for users, and web features that make the most of location‐specific foci.

Findings

Place‐based sites present many types of resources and use geospatial, interactive, customization, and other tools to enhance the content, assist the user in finding resources, and develop “sense of place”. Assessment of such digital collections is being done but could be used more extensively to improve the sites.

Practical implications

Identifying and discussing place‐based digital collections will serve to highlight a specialized type of site and collection. Attention to the enhancement of “sense of place” internet sites could further geographical and geospatial interests, education, and web applications.

Social implications

“Sense of place” sites provide information about places that have unique history, environmental sensitivity, or special meaning. Digital content is readily available for educational purposes and can be a contribution point for shared history and experience.

Originality/value

This paper will be of value to those interested in digital collections primarily focused on a geographical location and how web applications can build on the content to convey “sense of place” to users of the site.

Citation

Von Seggern, M., Merrill, A. and Zhu, L. (2010), "“Sense of place” in digital collections", OCLC Systems & Services: International digital library perspectives, Vol. 26 No. 4, pp. 273-282. https://doi.org/10.1108/10650751011087639