No.005 - Constructing Integrated Studies of Cultural and Research Resources, and Renovating Sharing Infrastructures of Research Resources in Japanese History and Culture

Constructing Integrated Studies of Cultural and Research Resources, and Renovating Sharing Infrastructures of Research Resources in Japanese History and Culture

The National Museum of Japanese History (REKIHAKU) opened the Center for Integrated Studies of Cultural and Research Resources to establish its core research project, “Constructing Integrated Studies of Cultural and Research Resources”. This project offers unique insight into a variety of studies and Japanese historical resources, through multidisciplinary collaboration with universities, museums, and other institutions. Here, we share information on the following topics.

 　　　“Integrated Studies of Cultural and Research Resources” approaches Japanese historical resources through interdisciplinary study in the humanities and sciences using information infrastructure. Classifying various cultural and research materials into time periods, regions, and research fields, and analysis with an interdisciplinary scope can lead to more advanced sharing infrastructure and additional cooperative studies.

“The Research Circulation Access Model” is formulated in line with the aim of the REKIHAKU’s core project: to enable access to resource information based on a research result supports another new research. Moreover, creating an environment that enables access to resource information in Japan can ensure ease in referring to “the original evidence” of various research results. REKIHAKU implements a “museum-based research integration” using the research results as permanent or special exhibits and promotes interdisciplinary studies and educational activities in the humanities and sciences. Such accumulated expertise supports the foundation of the Research Circulation Access Model.

Workshop 1 aims to create an environment of information infrastructure that enables access to resource information in Japan. In this workshop, knowledge is analysed and accumulated to support access to resource information based on research results. Focusing on Japanese historical resources as “materials”, Workshop2 aims to conduct interdisciplinary study in the humanities and sciences. As such, this workshop further applies richer information taken from each resource to various research fields. In cooperation with institutes, Workshop 3 aims to create a model applying research results based on “Integrated Studies of Cultural and Research Resources” to regional societies. Using the results of Workshops 1 and 2, this workshop explores local histories and cultures, with the collaboration of institutes. It also conducts outreach activities, such as education programs and exhibitions focused on REKIHAKU’s research results.

With this project, REKIHAKU emphasizes collaboration with relevant local and international institutes. Cooperative studies with universities and the renovation of a digital network through collaboration with institutes will also enable a backup of resource information in case of disaster, further supporting infrastructure. Moreover, we are developing an English translation of the available resource information and creating an environment that enables access to resources in Japan. We plan to conduct cooperative research, exhibitions, and international symposiums.

REKIHAKU is constructing and developing a digital network and English translation of the available resource information through collaboration with relevant institutes in Japan. The goal is to create an environment that enables access to resources in Japan. A backup of resource information, including non-disclosure for various reasons, will further support and restore infrastructure in case of disaster. We welcome any relevant information and appreciate cooperation in the construction of integrated studies of cultural and research resources and renovation of this digital network.

The Center for Integrated Studies of Cultural and Research Resources

National Museum of Japanese History

Workshop 2 at NMJH on Jun. 5, 2016

The National Museum of Taiwan History and NMJH conducted a research meeting for the further research collaborations in Taipei on May 26, 2016

The 27th annual conference of the EAJRS (European Association of Japanese Resource Specialists)“International Cooperation Between Japanese Studies Libraries” at the Central University Library, Bucharest, Romania, on Sep.14-17, 2016.