Authors

• Wessman, Anna (University of Helsinki. Institute for Cultural Research)

Keywords

archaeological objects, archaeology, development, hobbies, information services, museums

Abstract

The dataset consists of interviews on user needs regarding the FindSampo database, which aims to foster collecting, sharing, publishing, and studying archaeological finds discovered by the public. FindSampo is being developed in the Finnish Archaeological Finds Recording Linked Open Database (SuALT) project, which aims to develop innovative solutions to respond to metal detecting and other non-professional encounters with archaeological material, applying semantic computing to "citizen science". The project is funded by the Academy of Finland. The dataset includes both individual and group interviews. 50 persons were interviewed in total.

Related survey data collected for the project before the interviews are also archived at FSD (dataset FSD3487 Finnish Archaeological Finds Recording Linked Open Database: Survey on User Needs 2018). The two datasets include some of the same respondents, but they cannot be connected between the datasets.

The interviewees discussed themes related to the development of the FindSampo database as well as metal detecting and "citizen science" more generally. Additionally, interviews conducted in Lapland include discussion on gold digging and the cultural status of the Sámi people. During the interviews, the participants were also shown two pictures of what the user interface of FindSampo would look like. Themes discussed during the interviews include, for instance, ease of use, utilising different kinds of maps, changing the language of the user interface, the search function, and the discussion forum. The interviewees' views on the validation of archaeological finds discovered by the public were also surveyed during the interviews.

Background information included the date of the interview and the gender and employment sector of the interviewee. The data were organised into an easy to use HTML version at FSD.

The dataset is only available in Finnish.