Understanding Researchers’ Perspectives on Work Tasks in Digital Humanities and Computational Social Sciences

Abstract

The usefulness of research infrastructures (RIs) for digital humanities (DH) and computational social sciences (CSS) depends on their capability to support research work tasks. RIs can provide more effective support and services when they have a clear understanding of the work practices and specific tasks researchers are engaged in. This paper explores the ways of working of social sciences and humanities (SSH) scholars to develop resources that truly endorse their data-intensive research processes. Particularly, the study investigates how SSH scholars interact with digital tools and materials to both determine their information needs and how to better support them. A qualitative analysis of 21 semi-structured interviews with potential end-users of a national RI for the DH and CSS that is currently under development revealed three themes: digitizing SSH research, meeting the information needs related to DH/CSS, and supporting DH/CSS research. Based on our findings, we were able to create an understanding of the work task-based requirements of SSH scholars that can be used to inform designs for improved RIs. Suggestions for enhancing the sustainability of resources and services in SSH are also put forth, emphasizing the importance of understanding and accommodating the unique scholarly practices within these fields.