Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
Session 11.17 Social Sciences
Presentation #1 Title
Beyond Place: Appalachia in Cyberspace - Convenor: Fred Hay
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Summarizing the preliminary results of a study of the relationship between Appalachian Studies Programs and Appalachian Special Collections at nine academic institutions, we will uncover the elements of the relationship that contribute to enduring programs and collections in the face of globalization. In light of cultural homogenization and the blurry boundaries of the online world, the session will also compare and contrast the definitions of Appalachian Studies. The Archives of Appalachia at East Tennessee State University uses online, open source web tools to provide access to its collections. The next step is to strengthen the connection of materials to Appalachian communities, relate to a new generation of Appalachians, and increase feedback from viewers. By working with the Appalachian Studies departments, scholars, and the public, increasing the online presence of Appalachian history via archival holdings will reinforce the region’s rich history and culture, enhance scholarship, and broaden Appalachian special collections. There’s a certain region of the blogosphere devoted to Appalachian themes, often covering such topics as Appalachian history and culture. This presentation will examine how independent bloggers use the informal nature of the blogging format to present the region, presenting the results of a survey that examines the motives and practices of a number of independent Appalachian bloggers. Does the connection between the land and people living in it transcend the physical world to the virtual world of global connectivity? We will examine how Appalachians use social media to represent themselves and create community connections grounded in a geographic place.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Andrea Leonard is the E-Resources Librarian at Appalachian State University and a graduate student in ASU’s Appalachian Studies Program. Her family roots are in East and Middle Tennessee and she has lived most of her life in Southwest Virginia, East Tennessee, and now Western North Carolina.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Laura Smith is the Education & Outreach Archivist at East Tennessee State University’s Archives of Appalachia. Her professional interests focus on ensuring accessibility and promoting use of special collection materials.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Gene Hyde is Head of Special Collections at UNC Asheville and previously worked as Appalachian Collection Librarian at Radford University. He has an MA in Appalachian Studies from Appalachian State University and an MS in Information Sciences from the University of Tennessee.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #4
Norma Myers Riddle is currently the University Archivist at Appalachian State University and formerly was the director of the Archives of Appalachia at East Tennessee State University. She holds masters degrees in history and a library degree, and her research focuses on the relationship between Appalachian identity and place in an interconnected global world.
Beyond Place: Appalachia in Cyberspace - Convenor: Fred Hay
Harris Hall 302
Summarizing the preliminary results of a study of the relationship between Appalachian Studies Programs and Appalachian Special Collections at nine academic institutions, we will uncover the elements of the relationship that contribute to enduring programs and collections in the face of globalization. In light of cultural homogenization and the blurry boundaries of the online world, the session will also compare and contrast the definitions of Appalachian Studies. The Archives of Appalachia at East Tennessee State University uses online, open source web tools to provide access to its collections. The next step is to strengthen the connection of materials to Appalachian communities, relate to a new generation of Appalachians, and increase feedback from viewers. By working with the Appalachian Studies departments, scholars, and the public, increasing the online presence of Appalachian history via archival holdings will reinforce the region’s rich history and culture, enhance scholarship, and broaden Appalachian special collections. There’s a certain region of the blogosphere devoted to Appalachian themes, often covering such topics as Appalachian history and culture. This presentation will examine how independent bloggers use the informal nature of the blogging format to present the region, presenting the results of a survey that examines the motives and practices of a number of independent Appalachian bloggers. Does the connection between the land and people living in it transcend the physical world to the virtual world of global connectivity? We will examine how Appalachians use social media to represent themselves and create community connections grounded in a geographic place.
