Book Review: Cultural Heritage Information: Access and Management

Abstract

As stated in the preface by Chowdhury and Ruthvan, “this book provides a snapshot of current research and development as well as outlining the various challenges and trends of research in relation to the creation, access and management of digital cultural heritage information systems and services” (xvi). In the first chapter, the editors define cultural heritage as falling into two main categories: tangible (such as paintings antiquities, artefacts, buildings, or monuments) or intangible (such as dance, plays, music, stories, etc.). When either of these two types are digitized, they become digital cultural heritage (1). With such a broad scope, those wishing to begin their scholarly inquiry into digital cultural heritage information management or those wishing for a snapshot of various issues facing digital curation professionals will find this book very useful. Additionally, this book will also appeal to those hoping to learn ideas and strategies implemented outside of the United States. All of the authors except two hail from outside of the United States, providing a different perspective for American curators.