Engaging with our crowd: A study of public cultural heritage institutions crowdsourcing websites in Aotearoa, New Zealand

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess the degree that New Zealand cultural heritage crowdsourcing websites comply with international best practice and design principles. Following a literature review, the researcher developed a set of 24 recommendations, drawing from research into design heuristics and user motivation.

A content analysis followed. 12 crowdsourcing websites facilitated by New Zealand libraries, museums and an archive were identified and these websites were measured against the 24 recommendations. A quantitative measurement method was used, with a single researcher awarding a rating of either achieved, partially achieved or not achieved for each of the tested criteria. Results are displayed in statistical and chart form, and discussed in narrative form. The 24 recommendations covered four main themes:

1. Promote ease of use 2. Attract and sustain user interest 3. Foster a community of users 4. Show users that their work is contributing to the institution and society.

Category four was the most complied with, while category three showed the least compliance. The results indicated that New Zealand crowdsourcing projects could benefit from engaging their communities by conveying a commitment to biculturalism, engaging more with Māori communities, and supporting offline community interaction.