The Information Work of Interdisciplinary Humanities Scholars: Exploration and Translation

Abstract

Interdisciplinary inquiry has become more pervasive in recent decades, yet we still know little about the conduct of this type of research or the information problems associated with it. Through a qualitative study of the work practices of interdisciplinary humanities scholars, we examined the activities and resources involved in scholarship that crosses disciplinary boundaries. The results highlight fundamental features of work in the humanities in relation to the interdisciplinary processes scholars use to extend their knowledge base and craft texts for new audiences. Relying heavily on informal collaborative relationships, scholars manage their interdisciplinary information work by developing strategies for exploring and translating information from unfamiliar domains. The networks of activities and resources built by interdisciplinary humanities scholars offer a working framework for developing digital research libraries to support complex and integrative scholarly work.