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...