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  <front>
    <journal-meta>
      <journal-title-group>
        <journal-title>Online virtual exhibitions: Concepts and design considerations. DESIDOC Journal
of Library &amp; Information Technology</journal-title>
      </journal-title-group>
    </journal-meta>
    <article-meta>
      <article-id pub-id-type="doi">10.1353/aq.1997.0038</article-id>
      <title-group>
        <article-title>Showcasing Identity: Virtual Exhibitions of the Ukrainian Diaspora in Canada</article-title>
      </title-group>
      <contrib-group>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <string-name>Tetiana Bilushchak</string-name>
          <email>tetiana.m.bilushchak@lpnu.ua</email>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1">1</xref>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff2">2</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <string-name>Khrystyna Vintoniv</string-name>
          <email>khrystyna.vintoniv@nung.edu.ua</email>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff0">0</xref>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff2">2</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <string-name>Halyna Malyk</string-name>
          <email>halyna.malyk@umanitoba.ca</email>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff2">2</xref>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff3">3</xref>
        </contrib>
        <aff id="aff0">
          <label>0</label>
          <institution>Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas</institution>
          ,
          <addr-line>Karpatska Street 15, 76000, Ivano-Frankivsk</addr-line>
          ,
          <country country="UA">Ukraine</country>
        </aff>
        <aff id="aff1">
          <label>1</label>
          <institution>Lviv Polytechnic National University</institution>
          ,
          <addr-line>Stepan Bandera Street 12, 79000, Lviv</addr-line>
          ,
          <country country="UA">Ukraine</country>
        </aff>
        <aff id="aff2">
          <label>2</label>
          <institution>SCIA-2024: 3rd International Workshop on Social Communication and Information Activity in Digital Humanities</institution>
        </aff>
        <aff id="aff3">
          <label>3</label>
          <institution>University of Manitoba</institution>
          ,
          <addr-line>66 Chancellors Cir, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2</addr-line>
          <country country="CA">Canada</country>
        </aff>
      </contrib-group>
      <pub-date>
        <year>1991</year>
      </pub-date>
      <volume>3608</volume>
      <fpage>825</fpage>
      <lpage>850</lpage>
      <abstract>
        <p>Virtual exhibitions are recognized as essential tools employed by cultural memory institutions to preserve and promote the historical and cultural heritage of the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada. These platforms overcome time and geographical limitations, providing unrestricted access to cultural artifacts and narratives that celebrate the contributions of Ukrainian Canadians. This study focuses on virtual exhibitions curated by Ukrainian and Canadian institutions, using a combination of general scientific methods and specialized approaches, such as content, source, historical, and sociocommunicative analyses. These methodologies enabled a comprehensive collection, evaluation, and synthesis of data from diverse online resources, offering insights into the evolution and current state of virtual exhibitions representing the Ukrainian diaspora, with a comparative analysis based on criteria, such as the chronological scope of documents, presentation formats, language, metadata, and</p>
      </abstract>
      <kwd-group>
        <kwd>eol&gt;Ukrainian diaspora</kwd>
        <kwd>Ukrainian Canadians</kwd>
        <kwd>cultural heritage</kwd>
        <kwd>virtual exhibition</kwd>
        <kwd>social memory institutions</kwd>
        <kwd>archival collections</kwd>
        <kwd>digital humanities</kwd>
        <kwd>consolidated information resource1</kwd>
      </kwd-group>
    </article-meta>
  </front>
  <body>
    <sec id="sec-1">
      <title>1. Introduction</title>
      <p>The Ukrainian diaspora in Canada, one of the largest and most culturally vibrant Ukrainian
communities outside of Ukraine, has played a pivotal role in shaping Canadian society and
global perceptions of Ukraine. For over a century, this diaspora has actively preserved its
cultural heritage through various forms of artistic, religious, and scholarly endeavors. Central
to these activities is the commitment to maintaining Ukrainian identity, traditions, and
historical narratives, ensuring that the legacy of Ukrainian immigrants is passed down to future
generations.</p>
      <p>With advances in technology and globalization, preserving cultural identity has evolved,
particularly in historical preservation, education, and public engagement. Virtual exhibitions
(VEs) have emerged as contemporary solutions to these challenges. Unlike traditional physical
exhibitions, limited by geography and time, VEs offer global accessibility, allowing diverse
audiences to engage with cultural materials remotely.</p>
      <p>The significance of VEs goes beyond their function as displays; they act as dynamic
platforms of social memory, preserving historical documents, artifacts, and personal stories for
wide access. These platforms enable the Ukrainian diaspora to assert its cultural identity and
maintain traditions despite geographic dispersion. In light of the ongoing political and social
challenges faced by Ukraine, such as the full-scale Russian invasion, maintaining a cohesive and
resilient cultural identity within the diaspora is vital not only for heritage preservation but also
as a form of resistance against cultural erasure.</p>
      <p>Despite their potential, many VEs remain isolated, scattered across different institutional
platforms, limiting their reach and accessibility. This study seeks to address this gap by
investigating VEs dedicated to the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada, comparing the approaches of
Ukrainian and Canadian institutions, and proposing the development of a consolidated
information resource to unify and enhance access to these exhibitions.</p>
      <p>
        Public interest in topics related to the Ukrainian diaspora can be effectively tracked through
online platforms, such as Wikipedia [
        <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref1">1</xref>
        ], which provides insights into engagement with specific
historical narratives. In examining VEs related to the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada, an analysis
of the Wikipedia page "Ukrainians in Canada" was conducted to gauge public interest. The data
revealed that during the period from January 1 to December 31, 2020, the page recorded 33,709
views, with an average of 92 daily views. In the subsequent year, from January 1 to December
31, 2021, the page experienced a slight increase to 33,887 views, with an average of 93 daily
views. A significant surge in interest was observed between January 1, 2022, and December 31,
2022 with 52,173 views, corresponding to an average of 143 daily views. In the final period
analyzed, from January 1 to December 31, 2023, the page recorded 43,531 views, with an average
of 119 daily views. Figure 1 visually presents the findings from the analysis of visits to the
'Ukrainians of Canada' Wikipedia page, broken down by quarter from 2020 to 2023 (see Figure
1).
      </p>
      <p>The increase in public interest, particularly after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine,
highlights the growing relevance of topics related to the Ukrainian diaspora. These trends
underscore the importance of VEs curated by social memory institutions – including archives,
libraries, museums, and academic centers – as powerful tools for disseminating the cultural
heritage of the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada. Through these digital platforms, audiences can
engage more deeply with the historical narratives and contributions of the Ukrainian
community to the Canadian cultural landscape.</p>
      <p>The goal of this article was to explore the role of VEs in the preservation of the cultural
identity of the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada and to propose a framework for a consolidated
information resource that enhances access to these exhibitions.</p>
      <p>To achieve this goal, the following objectives were identified:
•
•
•
•
•</p>
      <p>To analyze the definition challenges and contextual variations of VEs while exploring
their role as a tool for promoting cultural heritage and supporting diaspora studies.
To describe VEs created by Ukrainian and Canadian social memory institutions,
focusing on their content, structure, and presentation of cultural heritage.</p>
      <p>To examine the role of VEs as a tool for the preservation and promotion of Ukrainian
cultural identity within the Canadian context.</p>
      <p>To propose the design and implementation of a consolidated information resource that
integrates VEs from various institutions, providing broader access to cultural materials
related to the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada.</p>
      <p>To assess the potential of the proposed resource to enhance research, educational
initiatives, and cultural engagement both within the diaspora community and the
broader public.</p>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec-2">
      <title>2. Literature review</title>
      <sec id="sec-2-1">
        <title>2.1. Definition challenges and context</title>
        <p>
          Heritage institutions are increasingly adopting new formats for showcasing their collections,
such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), which open innovative possibilities for
the use of exhibition spaces. As a result, online exhibitions have emerged as an effective format
capable of reaching a broader audience. Although they present certain challenges, particularly
for libraries and archives, online exhibitions hold significant potential for future-oriented
development [
          <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref2">2</xref>
          ].
        </p>
        <p>
          The concept of an online exhibition generally refers to an exhibition hosted in cyberspace;
however, it is multidimensional, evolving in both nature and application across various cultural
and institutional contexts. Consequently, the term “online exhibition” is often used
interchangeably with other terms such as “electronic exhibition”, “cyber-exhibition”, “digital
exhibition”, “online gallery”, “multimedia exhibition”, “multimedia catalogue”, and “VE”, and
“online VE” [
          <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref3">3</xref>
          ],[
          <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref4">4</xref>
          ],[
          <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref5">5</xref>
          ]. They are usually based on the composition of individual, independent
multimedia components such as images, sound recordings, animations, videos and texts, etc.,
which together form a comprehensive whole [
          <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref6">6</xref>
          ]. This trend became particularly evident in the
late 1990s when Polish libraries introduced electronic versions of their exhibitions under
various names [
          <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref7">7</xref>
          ]. The roots of this interchangeability trace back to the early websites of public
institutions in the 1990s, when it was difficult to distinguish these exhibitions from websites or
other similar forms of online communication, such as digital collection catalogues or thematic
web pages. The Society of American Archivists also highlights the concept's heterogeneity,
stating that “an online exhibition is also called an online exhibit, a virtual exhibit, or a VE” [
          <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref8">8</xref>
          ].
Similarly, ISO/DIS 25639-1(s) “Exhibitions, Shows, Fairs, and Conventions – Part 1: Vocabulary”
reflects this interchangeable usage [
          <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref9">9</xref>
          ].
        </p>
        <p>While VEs are generally understood as digital representations of physical collections, their
definition can vary depending on the technological, cultural, and institutional perspectives.</p>
        <p>An early definition of VE focuses on its four distinctive characteristics: online-based,
Webbased, hypertextual, and dynamic: “First, VEs are online and exist as part of and within the
global computer network called the internet. Second, they are Web-based, which means that
they are designed, mounted, presented, and viewed on the World Wide Web, a networked
system whose graphical interface makes possible the inclusion of various forms of media. Third,
VEs are hyper-textual, an aspect which collects and connects various, hyperlinked texts and can
produce elements of non-linearity, de-centeredness, and inter textuality. Finally, they are
dynamic, a feature which renders them more perpetual works-in-progress than static
collections” [10].</p>
        <p>The first characteristic of VEs leads to an approach that defines them as organized collections
of digital objects presented via an online interface, even though, “virtual” does not refer solely
to an internet presence; it can also encompass closed digital environments or localized
networks, allowing VEs to be displayed on individual computers, VR systems, or restricted
systems in museums or schools using specialized software without the need for internet access.</p>
        <p>According to A. Wandel, a virtual exhibition is [...] an online presentation of digitised
documents (mainly iconographic) and accompanying explanatory texts, created by an
institution based on its collections. The function of virtual library exhibitions is to showcase
rare and valuable cultural goods available to a wide audience, previously accessible only to a
select few, for education, display, information and advocacy [11]. This perspective focuses on
the archival and educational functions of VEs, underscoring their role in making otherwise
inaccessible cultural artifacts available for public consumption, education, and advocacy.</p>
        <p>A more specific and technologically sophisticated definition positions VEs as web-based
hypermedia collections: “a VE is a Web-based hypermedia collection of captured or rendered
multi-dimensional information objects, possibly stored in distributed networks, designed
around a specific theme, topic, concept or idea, and harnessed with state-of-art technology and
architecture to deliver a user-centered and engaging experience of discovery, learning,
contributing and being entertained through its nature of its dynamic product and service
offerings” [12]. Bonis et al. define VEs emphasizing the use of 3D models and interactive
features to create dynamic, exploratory environments: VEs are “single- or multiuser realistic
three-dimensional 3D representations of artifact collections, in which visitors navigate, observe
the exhibits, learn related information presented in various media, and in some cases interact
with them” [13]. These two technological perspectives are integrated in the European Union
FP7 project INDICATE (International Network for a Digital Cultural Heritage e-Infrastructure):
“A virtual exhibition is a hypermedia collection made up of digital items which are:
•
•
•
•
•
linked together by a common threat, an inter-disciplinary topic, a concept, an idea, an
anniversary, a special event, or a physical person;
displayed in 2D and/or 3D;
occasionally stored in distributed networks;
made accessible through the potential provided by modern technologies, thanks to a
system architecture designed to provide user-centred, absorbing experiences;
dynamic products that can offer services and be updated periodically” [14].</p>
        <p>However, INDICATE participants emphasize that “a collection of digital items, in and of
itself, does not constitute a VE. It is only when the items are carefully selected to illustrate a
topic and are tied together forming a narrative or a logical itinerary, that they constitute an
exhibition”.</p>
        <p>Building on this understanding, we propose two definitions of VE:</p>
        <p>The intensional definition of a VE specifies the internal content of the concept: A virtual
exhibition is a curated digital display of multimedia content, typically organized around a
central theme, presented via an online platform or digital interface, designed to allow users
to interact with and explore the exhibition remotely; and
The extensional definition of VE indicates the range of its applicability: A virtual
exhibition is an online, interactive event that presents curated digital content – such as
textual, visual, audio, and multimedia materials – sourced from internal or external
collections, organized around a central theme, and designed to engage a global audience
through an immersive digital platform. These exhibitions offer flexible user interaction,
including navigation, real-time participation, and multimedia exploration, transcending
physical limitations and enhancing accessibility for diverse audiences, including those with
disabilities.</p>
        <p>Our intensional definition of a VE identifies two distinct elements: 1) its most essential
attribute, “a curated digital display”, which is the broader category to which the defined term
belongs; and 2) its specific features that distinguish it from other members of that broader
category, “of multimedia content, typically organized around a central theme, presented via an
online platform or digital interface, designed to allow users to interact with and explore the
exhibition remotely.”</p>
        <p>Our extensional definition of a VE specifies key aspects of interactivity, such as user
navigation and multimedia exploration, making the definition more concrete, focuses on
accessibility for diverse audiences addresses an important strength of virtual exhibitions,
emphasizes the adaptability of virtual exhibitions in terms of both content and user interaction,
making it more comprehensive, and mention of immersive digital platforms and real-time
participation highlights the engaging nature of VEs.</p>
        <p>The practical application of these definitions becomes evident when examining how cultural
and archival institutions use VEs to interact with audiences worldwide. By leveraging web
technologies, VEs not only adhere to the principles outlined in their definitions but also serve
as highly effective tools for these institutions to showcase their collections to a worldwide
audience. Through digital platforms, VEs offer remote access to curated displays of documents,
artifacts, and multimedia content, transforming the way we interact with history and culture.
Specifically, VEs of historical records present digital images of carefully selected documents for
public viewing, organized according to various factors that influence both their functionality
and design.</p>
        <p>Typically, electronic exhibitions are categorized based on four main factors: their type
(universal, specialized, or thematic), length (permanent or short-term), importance of
showcased archival materials (international, national, regional, or local), and how often they
occur (periodic, annual, or one-time) [15]. Expanding on these factors, cultural organizations
often classify online exhibitions into five main types [16], each focusing on different aspects of
cultural and historical preservation:
1. Jubilee exhibitions: Dedicated to celebrating significant anniversaries or events, these
exhibitions showcase achievements, history, or important figures and may include a
variety of artifacts, documents, photographs, and multimedia materials.
2. Famous events: Highlight key historical or cultural events through original documents,
photographs, and artifacts, aiming to preserve collective memory and deepen visitors'
understanding of the significance and impact of these events.
3. Special materials: Focus on rare, valuable, or unique items such as documents,
photographs, postcards, or even postage stamps. These exhibitions offer a chance to
view materials that are rarely publicly displayed, emphasizing their uniqueness and
historical significance.
4. Thematic exhibitions: Centered on a specific topic, these exhibitions explore various
aspects of the subject through a range of library and archival exhibits. They provide a
deeper understanding of the topic by carefully selecting and systematizing related
materials.
5. Treasures: Feature valuable, rare, or unique artifacts such as documents, jewelry,
artworks, and other items of high historical or cultural value. These exhibitions draw</p>
        <p>attention to the importance of these materials, offering visitors a rare glimpse into
collections that are typically closed to the public.</p>
        <p>VEs are an asset for the conservation and promotion of archival materials. By offering
an organized and methodical presentation of objects, they allow institutions to
disseminate information globally. Whether showcasing rare artifacts or exploring
specific topics, VEs ensure that historical and cultural heritage remains accessible to all.
This approach not only broadens access to information but also supports educational
and research initiatives by providing unique insights into significant and rare materials.</p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec-2-2">
        <title>2.2. VEs as a tool for promoting cultural heritage and diaspora studies</title>
        <p>Research on digital preservation and access has shown that VEs are a highly effective way to
preserve and promote cultural heritage by providing broad access to digitized documents. These
exhibitions involve the digital processing of historical documents and materials, making them
widely available to the public [17]. The primary goal of such exhibitions is to share information
about significant historical events, individuals, institutions, or organizations, thereby raising
awareness of archival and library collections. VEs also engage users in exploring key historical
and cultural issues.</p>
        <p>In addition to this broad accessibility, documents from specific collections can be displayed
on the websites of institutions, providing convenient access to these resources and further
promoting historical heritage. While the primary aim of electronic book exhibitions is to display
and popularize certain historical and cultural collections, scholars have also identified
secondary benefits of these digital displays. For example, C. Ciurea and F. G. Filip suggest that
electronic exhibitions can attract investment and increase institutional income by promoting
collections in the digital space, offering visitors alternative ways to engage with cultural content
that may not be available in physical exhibitions [18].</p>
        <p>In the case of the Ukrainian diaspora, VEs play a crucial role in preserving national identity,
language, and cultural heritage across generations by offering a digital platform to display and
celebrate their heritage. A. Nechytailo has closely examined how these efforts, including VEs,
contribute to preserving national memory, spiritual values, and cultural traditions. We agree
with her conclusions that in the era of information globalization, national memory serves as a
vital mechanism for safeguarding a nation’s identity. The Ukrainian diaspora’s contributions to
preserving language, history, and cultural values are integral to national strategies aimed at
maintaining identity and protecting cultural heritage. Through VEs and similar initiatives, the
diaspora ensures historical continuity and fosters national consciousness among future
generations of Ukrainians worldwide [19].</p>
        <p>Yu. Kondrashevska has further expanded on the national and cultural achievements of the
Ukrainian diaspora in Canada, with particular emphasis on their success in preserving
Ukrainian identity. The researcher emphasizes that the experience of Ukrainian emigration to
Canada is the most successful in terms of preserving national identity because, over time,
emigrants have developed unique skills that enable them to integrate into Canadian society’s
socio-political, economic, and cultural spheres without losing their own identity [20]. This
observation underscores how the diaspora's dual role – integrating into Canadian society while
maintaining cultural roots – has been a key factor in the preservation of Ukrainian heritage
abroad.</p>
        <p>In parallel, significant scholarly contributions have focused on the digitization of archival
collections related to Ukrainian studies outside Ukraine. Institutions like the Ukrainian
Educational and Cultural Centre "Oseredok," which houses one of Canada’s largest Ukrainian
archives, play an essential role in preserving and providing access to key documents,
photographs, audio recordings, and videos chronicling the lives and contributions of Ukrainians
globally. These digital collections, often showcased through VEs, enable widespread access and
engagement with Ukrainian heritage beyond national borders [21].</p>
        <p>Additionally, research has explored the role of information and communication technologies
in shaping public attitudes toward historical events, particularly emphasizing the importance
of preserving Ukraine’s national and cultural heritage [22]. One notable focus has been on
efforts to safeguard cultural and archival heritage during times of war [23]. The development
of digital models of architectural structures, for instance, represents one such strategy for
ensuring the preservation of Ukraine’s cultural landmarks, with potential for future integration
into VEs. These efforts demonstrate how VEs can serve not only as tools of education and
engagement but also as mechanisms for cultural preservation in periods of crisis. Kh. Vintoniv’s
comprehensive study on the virtual documentary and informational heritage of Ukrainians in
Canada further illustrates the importance of digitization. Kh. Vintoniv has examined extensive
archival electronic collections and databases that document the achievements of Ukrainian
immigrants in Canada, shedding light on how these digital resources play a pivotal role in
maintaining and promoting cultural identity [24].</p>
        <p>Given the significant cultural and spiritual contributions of Ukrainians to Canadian public
life, there is a strong commitment to preserving and developing national traditions. This
dedication has shaped a rich cultural and informational landscape, with VEs becoming a critical
tool for promoting Ukrainian culture as an integral component of preserving national identity.
Through the continued use of VEs, the Ukrainian diaspora not only fosters a sense of historical
continuity but also ensures that the preservation of their heritage remains accessible to future
generations, reinforcing their cultural legacy on a global scale.</p>
      </sec>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec-3">
      <title>3. Research methodology</title>
      <p>To address our study objectives, a rigorous methodological approach, combining both
theoretical analysis and practical examination of VEs related to the Ukrainian diaspora in
Canada, was adopted. The study employed a blend of general scientific methods and specialized
approaches to examine how these VEs serve as tools for preserving and promoting cultural
heritage. Key methods included analysis, synthesis, and a systematic framework, allowing for
a thorough collection, evaluation, and synthesis of data from a variety of sources to ensure a
comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the development and impact of these
VEs.</p>
      <p>Additionally, a historical and source analysis was undertaken to track the progression of
VEs representing the Ukrainian diaspora. This allowed the study to assess the current state of
research and to construct a developmental timeline for these exhibitions. Through digitization,
originally physical sources have evolved into digital resources, becoming part of Canada's
virtual cultural space. This transition underscores the importance of digital platforms in
ensuring that cultural and historical documents remain accessible and relevant.</p>
      <p>To assess the current landscape of VEs, content analysis, as well as comparative and
analytical monitoring, was conducted on various online resources. Content analysis provided a
detailed review of how the information in these VEs is presented, whereas comparative methods
allowed for the identification of similarities and differences between Ukrainian and Canadian
approaches to structuring these digital exhibitions. This comparative analysis also facilitated
the identification of best practices that could enhance the effectiveness and engagement of these
virtual platforms.</p>
      <p>Furthermore, a socio-communication approach was integrated into the study to highlight
how social memory institutions contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage within the
digital realm. This approach underscores the communicative role of VEs in transmitting
historical and cultural narratives to a global audience, thus bridging academic, public, and
diasporic communities.</p>
      <p>An information-based approach is integrated throughout the study, as information plays a
crucial role at every stage – from the initial search for sources to the final formulation of
conclusions. Web exhibitions are viewed as key components of the communication system,
serving as sources of information. In this context, the institutions responsible for creating these
web resources act as communicators, whereas scientists, students, and other interested
individuals serve as the recipients of this information.</p>
      <p>When creating a “Consolidated Information Resource for Virtual Exhibitions of the
Ukrainian Diaspora in Canada”, modelling methods were applied such as ERD in Peter Chen's
notation [25], used to design and visualize database structures, and DFD in Gane Sarson's
notation [26], which helps to ensure all system processes for proper design, integration,
optimization, which ultimately leads to the creation of an effective and reliable system.</p>
      <p>The process for identifying VEs on Ukrainian websites followed three steps:
1. Search among social memory institutions, including central state archives and national
libraries of Ukraine.
2. Search within research centers specializing in the Ukrainian diaspora.
3. Use specific keywords in Ukrainian, such as “Ukrainian diaspora”, “Ukrainians of</p>
      <p>Canada”, “archival Ukrainica”, “museum”, “archive”, “library”, and “exhibition”.</p>
      <sec id="sec-3-1">
        <title>The search for Canadian VEs preceded in two stages:</title>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec-3-2">
        <title>1. Use of the same keywords mentioned above, but in English.</title>
        <p>2. Search among the organizations listed on the “Sustainable Ukrainian Canadian
Heritage” website, a multifaceted research and education program from the Kule
Folklore Centre at the University of Alberta:
https://suchnetwork.ca/repository/browse?page=4&amp;sf_culture=en&amp;sort=alphabetic&amp;sortDir=asc.</p>
        <p>The analysis of web exhibitions was presented in tabular format based on specific criteria,
including the chronological range of documents, the form of presentation, language, keywords,
metadata, and the type of exhibition. These criteria were selected for the following purposes:</p>
        <p>Optimize the user experience: Understand which elements are most effective in
engaging and educating the audience.
2. Improve exhibition activities: Identify opportunities to enhance the structure and
content of web exhibitions.
3. Compare Ukrainian and Canadian exhibitions: Create new online exhibitions and share
best practices.
4. Assess cultural and educational impacts: Evaluate how web exhibitions contribute to
the dissemination of knowledge, cultural heritage, and educational practices.</p>
        <p>This methodological framework provided a robust foundation for understanding the
development and impact of VEs as key instruments for preserving and promoting the cultural
heritage of the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada. By combining theoretical insights with practical
analysis, the research offers valuable recommendations for improving the structure and
outreach of VEs, ensuring they remain relevant and accessible to diverse user groups.</p>
      </sec>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec-4">
      <title>4. Electronic exhibitions of the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada on the Ukrainian online resources</title>
      <p>The advancement of digital technologies has greatly helped promote the historical and cultural
heritage of the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada, especially through electronic exhibitions. These
displays are a crucial method for showcasing the history, culture, and accomplishments of the
Ukrainian community in Canada to a broad audience. Through their presence on digital
platforms of libraries, archives, and museums, these resources provide users with the
opportunity to interact with distinct materials that greatly influence their cultural encounters.
As stated in ISO 15489-1:2018, records should have the qualities of being authentic, reliable,
integral, and usable, regardless of their format or organization [27]. To preserve their long-term
value, digital objects featured in online exhibitions must adhere to these principles.</p>
      <p>Building on this framework, we now review several electronic exhibitions on the Ukrainian
diaspora in Canada that are available through the online resources of Ukrainian libraries,
archives, and museums.</p>
      <p>I. The Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine.</p>
      <p>On the website of The Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine, we selected 3 out of 11 web
exhibitions prepared by the Department of Foreign Ukrainica at the Institute of Book Studies
(see Table 1). All 11 exhibitions share a similar structure, primarily featuring title pages of
publications with accompanying bibliographic descriptions. Notably, the website is available in
40 languages.</p>
      <p>The electronic book exhibition “Ukrainian Canadian: To the 125th Anniversary of the
First Settlement of Ukrainians in Canada” features 34 scanned images, primarily of title
pages from Canadian publications. These digitized materials span from 1937 to 1998 and
include fiction, monographs, reports, bibliographic studies, commemorative books,
articles, reviews, and conference proceedings related to Ukrainian Canadians [28].
The electronic exhibition “Newspapers of the Ukrainian Diaspora (1945-2000). Part 2.
America” focuses on newspapers published by the Ukrainian diaspora in North and
South America, including Canada. This exhibition is dedicated to the newspapers of the
Ukrainian diaspora in North and South America. During this period, approximately
ninety Ukrainian diaspora newspapers were published on the American continent,</p>
      <p>mostly in Canada, the United States, and Argentina. The exhibition features eight
Ukrainian-language newspapers, and one English-language newspaper published in
Canada between 1949 and 1983, all accompanied by bibliographic descriptions [29].
The electronic book exhibition "Ukrainian Prose of Canada" was created for the Day of
Ukrainian Writing and Language. It is the first part of a series titled Ukrainian Fiction of
Canada from the NBUV Collections. It highlights twenty-four title pages in Ukrainian
and English, covering Ukrainian prose from 1908 onwards, including short stories,
novellas, essays, reports, dramas, and memoirs. It also features Songs About Canada and
Australia by Teodor Fedyk, marking the birth of Ukrainian literature in Canada [30].</p>
      <sec id="sec-4-1">
        <title>Metadata 19371998</title>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec-4-2">
        <title>Text Ukrainian, English Institution</title>
        <p>ІІ. The Virtual Museum of Ukrainian Diaspora.</p>
        <p>The Virtual Museum of Ukrainian Diaspora is an educational and scholarly platform
showcasing a vast digitized collection of artifacts. Its mission is to share knowledge about the
history and cultural achievements of the global Ukrainian community, highlight the activities
of Ukrainian institutions around the world, and honor notable figures of Ukrainian descent. The
platform also publishes scholarly and educational materials related to diaspora topics and
provides up-to-date information about events and news within the global Ukrainian
community. Apart from the displays, the platform also releases academic and educational
content concerning diaspora subjects and offers current updates on events and news within the
worldwide Ukrainian community. The website in two languages, Ukrainian and English,
showcases 565 digitalized items, with a part dedicated to “Ukrainians in Canada” (see Table 2 ),
displaying 64 pictures depicting different aspects of social, religious, and cultural life from 1905
to 1930. The information provided for each exhibit consists of individuals' names, event
descriptions, along with the artifacts' location, year, and place of origin [31].
ІІІ. The Central State Archive of Public Associations and Ukrainian Studies.</p>
        <p>The website of the Central State Archive of Public Associations and Ukrainian Studies,
available in twenty-seven languages, hosts numerous online exhibitions related to the
Ukrainian diaspora. We focused on three exhibitions relevant to our research topic (see Table
3), though individual documents can be found in other exhibitions as well.</p>
        <p>The online exhibition “Ukrainian Art: Returned Names” commemorates International
Artist Day and highlights the works of Ukrainian artists abroad, emphasizing their role
in preserving national traditions during times of cultural suppression. Among the
seventy-nine exhibits, fifteen focus on Ukrainian art in Canada, with metadata that
includes the artist's name, title of the artwork, location, year, and archival fond number
[32].</p>
        <p>The exhibition “And His Faithful Daughters and Sons Live in the Memory of the People:
To the 75th Anniversary of Victory Over Nazism” details the contributions of Ukrainians
in Canada and beyond during World War II. Of the fifty-nine exhibits, forty-two pertain
to the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada between 1939 and 1945. This includes clippings
from Canadian Ukrainian-language newspapers, such as Novyi Shliakh/New Pathway
and Ukrainskyi Holos/Ukrainian Voice, which document the experiences of Ukrainian
soldiers in Allied forces. Metadata includes military personnel names, event details,
publication titles, and archival fond numbers [33].</p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec-4-3">
        <title>Format Photo, picture, postcard</title>
        <p>19391945</p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec-4-4">
        <title>Text,</title>
        <p>photo
3. The exhibition “Learn, My Brothers. Think, Read...” highlights the educational efforts
of Ukrainians in Canada, featuring 16 exhibits such as newspaper clippings,
announcements, and school-related documentation that illustrate the establishment
of schools, reading rooms, and community centers by Ukrainian settlers [34].</p>
        <p>The chronological range of the analyzed documents spans from 1905 to 2003. These web
exhibitions present both printed materials and photographs. The oldest document is a religious
photograph from the exhibition “Ukrainians in Canada”, while the most recent materials are
from the exhibition “Ukrainian Prose of Canada”. These exhibitions are digitized from the
collections of three Ukrainian institutions and their partners: The Vernadsky National Library
of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Diaspora Museum, and the Central State Archive of Public
Associations and Ukrainian Studies. Among the analyzed exhibitions, two are commemorative,
dedicated to specific events, while five are thematic, exploring particular subjects in-depth.
5. Electronic exhibitions of the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada’s
virtual space
Modern information technologies have made it possible to rapidly digitize a vast number of
documents that were previously stored on traditional media. The digital format allows
researchers to access and study millions of documents online, many of which are held by
various institutions in Canada. These documents provide a valuable resource for understanding
the Ukrainian diaspora as an integral part of Canadian and Ukrainian history. This research
draws upon documents digitized by Canadian institutions, which are presented as web
exhibitions in the virtual space.</p>
        <p>І. The Kule Centre for Ukrainian and Canadian Folklore at the University of
Alberta.</p>
        <p>The Kule Centre [35] holds significant research materials related to Ukrainians in Canada.
In its “Books, Videos, and Exhibits” section, there are three key online exhibitions (see Table 4):</p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec-4-5">
        <title>Letter</title>
        <p>writing,
family
photos, love
stories</p>
        <p>Document
name, year and
place, location,</p>
        <p>document/
fond number,
photogra-pher’s
name</p>
        <p>II. “First Wave of Ukrainian Immigration to Canada, 1891–1914” (Digital Museums
Canada).</p>
        <p>The virtual exhibition “First Wave of Ukrainian Immigration to Canada, 1891–1914” was
created as part of the Digital Museums Canada program, funded by the Government of Canada.
The “Gallery” section showcases 101 photographs, dating from approximately 1890 to 1988,
along with two promotional materials related to immigration to Canada from 1895 and 1911.
These items were digitized from the collections of several major archives, including the National
Archives of Canada, Saskatchewan Public Archives, Provincial Archives of Alberta, Manitoba
Archives, Ontario Archives, and various private collections. The photographs vividly capture the
daily life and customs of Ukrainians in the Canadian prairies, primarily in the early 20th century.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the only known photograph of Ivan Pylypiw, the first
Ukrainian immigrant to Canada, who arrived with Vasyl Eleniak in September 1891 from Nebyliw,
Ivano-Frankivsk region, Ukraine. Additionally, the “Stories” section offers personal accounts,
memories, and experiences of Ukrainians as they adapted to their new homeland.</p>
        <p>Metadata for documents includes the following elements: date; location; credits (archives,
museum, or private collections); landscape (cultivated rural, natural); events (educational, historic,
social/entertainment, religious); people (one, two, group, family); object (transportation,
tools/equipment); buildings and structures (agriculture, residential, commemorative, school,
religious); sex; type – image; transport (road, rail); work (agriculture, food, forestry, construction,
mining, education). Some photographs also have a brief annotation that provides details such as
names of individuals in the photo, the date of the establishment of a church or school, and date and
place of the photograph [39]. All the mentioned information is summarized in Table 5.
III. “Combined Virtues: Saskatchewan’s Ukrainian Legacy”.</p>
        <p>This virtual exhibition, created by the Saskatchewan Council for Archives and Archivists in
collaboration with the Saskatchewan Archives Board, University of Saskatchewan Archives,
Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan, and St. Thomas More College Archives
at the University of Saskatchewan. The exhibition was archived in 2020 and is part of the UASC
Digital Projects collection [40] (see Table 6).</p>
        <p>The exhibition is divided into five sections, each showcasing a different aspect of the
Ukrainian community's contributions in Saskatchewan: Education, Arts &amp; Crafts, Music &amp;
Celebration, Literature, and Politics. These sections highlight notable events in the lives of
Ukrainian Canadians in Saskatchewan, who made significant advancements in various fields.
Notable figures featured in the exhibition include educator, journalist, and writer Savella
Stechishin; renowned artists William Kurelek and Dmytro Stryjek; Alexander Kuziak, the first
Ukrainian to serve as a Cabinet Minister in a provincial government; Senator John Hnatyshyn
and his son, Ramon Hnatyshyn, Canada's 24th Governor General; and Senator Paul Yuzyk, often
referred to as the “father of multiculturalism”. The “Sources” section provides comprehensive
details about each document, including the name, year, fund number, and credits.</p>
        <p>IV. Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village.</p>
        <p>An intriguing virtual exhibition is offered by the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
Museum (see Table 7), located near Edmonton. Available in Ukrainian and English, this resource
provides visitors with insights into the history, culture, and daily life of Ukrainian Canadians.
The English-language web guide is organized into sections: Help, Multimedia, Tours, Sources,
and Web Links [41].</p>
        <p>The “Multimedia” section features several exhibits, including 21 interviews in both
Ukrainian and English about the Ukrainian buildings in the open-air museum, with details on
each respondent and the building discussed. It also includes 20 gramophone recordings from
the 1920s, featuring Ukrainian carols, ritual songs, wedding songs, and church services,
complete with song titles, performers, and recording durations. Additionally, the section
showcases 12 maps of Eastern-Central Alberta from 1908 to 1930, as well as 12 maps of
Ukrainian regions from around the 1900s, all annotated with titles and dates.</p>
        <p>The “Tours” section provides a virtual tour that is divided into four stages: Getting
Acquainted, Farmsteads, Rural Community, and Townsite. Each building photograph is
accompanied.
by the building's name, year of construction, and renovation details. The exhibition also
includes photographs of Ukrainian immigrants, with metadata that identifies the people in the
images, the events depicted, and the approximate year.</p>
        <p>V. University of Manitoba Libraries Digital Collections.</p>
        <p>The University of Manitoba Libraries website offers access to over 75,000 digitized items,
including correspondence, photographs, books, newspapers, and films. Among its valuable
digital collections are several focused on the history of the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada. We
analyzed three key collections.</p>
        <p>The first collection, “Prairie Prestige: How Western Canadian Artists Have Influenced
Canadian Art,” is an archival collection that includes photographs, correspondence, diaries,
drawings, sketches, and audio materials from prominent Western Canadian artists who made
significant contributions to Canadian and global art [42].</p>
        <p>Of the eight sections in this collection, two are of particular interest: “Leo Mol” and
“Ukrainian-Canadian Artists.”
•
•</p>
        <p>The “Leo Mol” section is dedicated to the renowned Canadian sculptor and artist of
Ukrainian descent, Leo Mol. It includes 62 documents dated from 1950 to 2001, such as:
Black-and-white and color photographs: Featuring prominent figures such as Cardinal
Josyf Slipyi, Bishop Isydor Boretskyi, Pope John Paul II, Metropolitan Mykhailo Bzdyl,
and Archbishop Myroslav Ivan Lubachivskyi, as well as photographs of Ukrainian
Catholic churches in Canada, both interior and exterior.</p>
        <p>Holy cards.</p>
        <p>Textual documents: Including a commemorative brochure titled “Stained Glass in the
Cathedral of Sts. Vladimir and Olga in Winnipeg,” which details Leo Mol’s stained glass
work at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of Sts. Vladimir and Olga in Winnipeg (1977),
and a letter from Pope John Paul II to Cardinal Josyf Slipyi in honor of the 1000th
anniversary of the Baptism of Rus-Ukraine (1979).</p>
        <p>The section on “Ukrainian-Canadian Artists – Sterling Demchinsky Fonds” features 74
photographs taken in 2008-2009 by amateur photographer Sterling Demchinsky, who is
of Ukrainian descent. These photographs depict the interiors of Catholic churches in
Manitoba and Saskatchewan, highlighting the craftsmanship of Ukrainian immigrants.
Demchinsky's work is also presented on his website, “Ukrainian Churches in Canada”,
which aims to disseminate and preserve information about Ukrainian spiritual centers
in Canada [43].</p>
        <p>The virtual exhibition dedicated to Irene Knysh, a journalist, writer, and researcher of the
Ukrainian women's movement, includes 59 documents from 1916 to 1994 related to her active
public and literary work in Ukraine, Canada, and the United States. The collection consists of:
•
•</p>
        <p>Photographs: Including images of Stefaniia Abrahamovska (a co-founder of the
Ukrainian National Women’s League of America), Ukrainian women’s movement
activists such as Olena Kysilevska, Olga Kobylianska, Savella Stechishin, and Mariia
Okhrymovych, as well as Irene Knysh, her mother Anastasiia Shkvarok, and son Yurii.
Also featured are Professor Yaroslav Rudnytskyi, artist Mariia Harasovska-Dachyshyn,
and renowned dancer and choreographer Vasyl Avramenko along with his dance
schools.</p>
        <p>Textual documents: Including announcements, Stefaniia Abrahamovska’s business card,
and a Christmas card with a photograph.</p>
        <p>Each document in these digital collections can be downloaded and viewed with complete
technical metadata. Descriptive entries include the following information: title, collection,
description, format (text, still image, picture), date, subjects, location, creator, language,
physical location, original file MIME type, local identifier, source, permalink, and copyright. All
of this information is summarized in Table 8.
VI. Ukrainian Canadian Research and Documentation Centre.</p>
        <p>“The Barbed Wire Solution: Ukrainians and Canada's First Internment Operations 1914-1920” is
an exhibit displayed in the “Exhibits” section of the Ukrainian Canadian Research and
Documentation Centre website. This virtual show features 15 photos from a mobile display and
a video showcasing the narratives of individuals in refugee camps post-World War II (see</p>
        <p>Table 9). The exhibition comes with an extensive text, organized into 24 sections, delving
into different elements of life in the camps, including social, economic, and political aspects
[44].</p>
        <p>The studied online displays showcasing Ukrainian Canadians, though varied in scope and
focus, are united by their diversity and informative content. Each display showcases the aim of
organizations committed to safeguarding and showcasing Canadian history, but they vary in
the size and scope of their holdings. An example is the University of Manitoba Libraries, which
provides the most extensive digital archival collections and fonds, serving as a valuable resource
for both researchers and the general public. Contrary to this, displays from different institutions
including the Kule Centre for Ukrainian and Canadian Folklore at the University of Alberta, the
Canadian Museum of History, the Saskatchewan Council for Archives and Archivists, the
Museum “Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village,” and the Ukrainian Canadian Research and
Documentation Centre offer individual viewpoints, utilizing collections to showcase separate
features of Ukrainian Canadian history and culture.</p>
        <p>The studied online displays showcasing Ukrainian Canadians, though varied in scope and
focus, are united by their diversity and informative content. Each display showcases the aim of
organizations committed to safeguarding and showcasing Canadian history, but they vary in
the size and scope of their holdings. An example is the University of Manitoba Libraries, which
provides the most extensive digital archival collections and fonds, serving as a valuable resource
for both researchers and the general public. Contrary to this, displays from different institutions
including the Kule Centre for Ukrainian and Canadian Folklore at the University of Alberta, the
Canadian Museum of History, the Saskatchewan Council for Archives and Archivists, the
Museum “Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village,” and the Ukrainian Canadian Research and
Documentation Centre offer individual viewpoints, utilizing collections to showcase separate
features of Ukrainian Canadian history and culture.</p>
        <p>In terms of chronological coverage, these exhibitions collectively span from approximately
1890 to 2009. The documents showcased differ greatly in format, encompassing manuscripts,
printed materials, audio and video recordings, maps, and photographs, with photographs
standing out as the most prevalent category in all displays. The oldest document featured is a
photograph of a Ukrainian house interior from circa 1890, displayed in the exhibition “First
Wave of Ukrainian Immigration to Canada, 1891–1914”. In contrast, the most up-to-date records
are from the "Ukrainian-Canadian Artists" display, showcasing images of Ukrainian churches
in Manitoba and Saskatchewan between 2008 and 2009. In spite of their unique qualities, all of
the examined shows have a thematic focus, aiming to delve deep into specific subjects by
showcasing carefully chosen items from various archival sources.</p>
      </sec>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec-5">
      <title>6. Enhancing access to heritage: The case for consolidating VEs of the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada</title>
      <p>Consolidated electronic information resources are designed to provide broad user access,
preserve cultural heritage, and create a unified, high-quality information environment. Such
resources typically integrate the collections of libraries, museums, archives, and research
institutions into a single virtual platform. These institutions, which have been responsible for
collecting, organizing, preserving, and sharing humanity's accumulated knowledge for
millennia, play a vital role as custodians of cultural and intellectual heritage [45],[46].</p>
      <p>In today’s information-rich world, individuals face increasing challenges when searching
for, selecting, and organizing reliable information. This challenge spans many areas of activity,
as people frequently turn to social internet platforms for solutions to their inquiries.
Consequently, there is a pressing need for consolidated information resources that provide
comprehensive, expert-verified data for each specific subject area [47].</p>
      <p>The Ukrainian diaspora in Canada, comprising over one million people, has a rich history
and cultural heritage and has made significant contributions to the development of Canadian
society. However, the dispersion of archives, libraries, and museums that house this heritage
makes access difficult for both researchers and the public. In the digital age, the need to create
a consolidated information resource that centralizes electronic exhibitions related to the
Ukrainian diaspora in Canada is critical.</p>
      <p>A consolidated information resource for VEs on the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada would
offer several key benefits, including improved accessibility and greater promotion of the
community's rich cultural heritage. It would also significantly support research and educational
programs. By gathering all relevant information in one location, this resource would become
an invaluable tool for academic research and education. Researchers could more easily find the
materials they need, while educators could use the resource to develop teaching materials and
conduct lectures. Ultimately, this would enhance the study of Ukrainian history and culture and
foster greater academic interest in Ukrainian studies.</p>
      <sec id="sec-5-1">
        <title>6.1. Information and functional models for the consolidation of VEs of the</title>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec-5-2">
        <title>Ukrainian diaspora</title>
        <p>Information modeling involves creating abstract representations of informational objects,
processes, or systems to better understand, analyze, and predict the behavior of real-world
entities. In this case, we employ the "Entity-Relationship" (ER) diagram in Peter Chen’s notation
[25] (see Figure 2). The ER model visualizes the relationships between entities and their
attributes, helping to identify key interactions and the information that needs to be captured on
a website for users.</p>
        <p>The information model consists of seven entities, each with specific roles, all interconnected
by relationships. Examining these entities individually helps clarify their importance within the
overall system:
•
•
•
•
“User” represents all individuals interacting with the consolidated information resource.
Users are divided into two categories: internal users (those involved in the development
and administration of the resource) and external users (end users or visitors to the site).
Key attributes include a unique identifier, user type, and other relevant personal
information.
“VirtualExhibition” is the core entity representing a virtual exhibition created by social
memory institutions and research centers. It contains various forms of information –
text, images, audio, or video – that convey the content of the exhibition to users. Each
exhibition is assigned a unique identifier (ExhibitionID) and includes essential details.
“ExhibitionDetail” contains additional information and descriptions about each virtual
exhibition, linked to the main exhibition entity through ExhibitionID.
“Feedback” is an entity for managing user feedback. Each feedback entry is associated
with a specific user (via UserID) and includes a message and creation date.
“InteractiveMap” represents geographic markers for VEs. Each marker is linked to a
specific exhibition via ExhibitionID and includes location coordinates and descriptions.
“Forum” allows users to discuss exhibitions and other topics. Each forum has a unique
identifier and is associated with a specific exhibition via ExhibitionID. It includes a
forum name and description.
“ForumPost” is intended for users to post messages in the forum. Each post has a unique
identifier (PostID) and is associated with a specific forum via ForumID and with a
specific user via UserID. It includes the text of the message and the date it was created.
The relationships between these entities can be explained as follows:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
“User visits VirtualExhibition”: A user can visit multiple VEs, and each exhibition can
be visited by many users.
“User writes Feedback”: A user can submit multiple feedback entries, but each feedback
entry is linked to only one user.
“VirtualExhibition has ExhibitionDetail”: Each virtual exhibition may have one or more
detailed descriptions, but each detail is specific to one exhibition.
“VirtualExhibition receives Feedback”: An exhibition can receive multiple feedback
entries, and each feedback entry can relate to one or more exhibitions.
“VirtualExhibition displayed on Map”: Each virtual exhibition can have multiple
markers on the map, but each marker corresponds to one exhibition.
“VirtualExhibition discussed in Forum”: VEs can be discussed in one or more forums,
with each forum associated with a specific exhibition.
“Forum contains ForumPost”: A forum can host multiple posts, but each post belongs to
one forum.
“User writes ForumPost”: A user can create multiple posts in the forum, but each post
is linked to only one user.</p>
        <p>These relationships, illustrated in the ER diagram, ensure the integrity and structure of the
data in the consolidated information resource.</p>
        <p>The next phase involves creating a functional model to outline the system's operational
features and its interactions with both internal and external components. The Data Flow
Diagram (DFD) [26] illustrates the flow of data within the consolidated information resource.
The Gane-Sarson notation is used for the DFD (see Figure 3), specifically for the “Operation of
the Consolidated Information Resource of VEs of the Ukrainian Diaspora in Canada”.</p>
        <p>The DFD identifies three external entities involved in the system's operation:
•
•
•</p>
        <p>User: Visitors who interact with the system.</p>
        <p>Administrator: Responsible for managing content, moderating forums, handling
feedback, and updating information.</p>
        <p>Social Memory Institutions and Research Centers: Institutions that provide information
about VEs related to the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada.</p>
        <p>The main process, “Operation of the Consolidated Information Resource,” is divided into
four subprocesses, with input and output flows and three data stores (see Figure 4):
“Search and View VEs”: Users search for exhibitions, and the system retrieves data from
the “VEs Database” to return search results.
“User Interaction”: Users submit feedback, which is stored in the Feedback Database.
Users can also engage in forum discussions, with messages stored in the “Forum
Database.”
“Content Management”: Administrators add or edit data about exhibitions, which is
stored in the VEs Database. Social memory institutions provide new information
through this process.
“Data Analysis”: Information from all data stores is analyzed to create reports and
statistics, helping improve the system's functionality.</p>
        <p>The next stage involves breaking down the identified processes into more detailed
subprocesses (Level 2 decomposition). For instance, the “Search and View VEs” process is
divided into three subprocesses (see Figure 5).</p>
        <p>“Data Collection”: Interacts with social memory institutions to obtain exhibition data,
including themes, content, and locations.</p>
        <p>“Data Processing”: Organizes and classifies the collected data for presentation in VEs.</p>
        <p>“VEs Creation”: Consolidates processed data into a format suitable for publication, including
integration with the interactive map to display geographic locations related to the exhibitions.</p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec-5-3">
        <title>6.2. Implementation of the consolidated information resource for VEs of the</title>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec-5-4">
        <title>Ukrainian diaspora in Canada</title>
        <p>To enhance the accessibility and promotion of VEs related to the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada,
as well as to support research and educational initiatives, a consolidated information resource
has been developed in the form of a website. This resource is designed to simplify the process
of finding thematic information, systematizing data from multiple channels into a unified
platform.</p>
        <p>The consolidated information resource for VEs of the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada
(https://ukrainiandiasporae.wixsite.com/my-site-1/en) features key components such as a home
page, an interactive map, detailed descriptions of VEs, feedback options, and a forum. This
platform offers a modern approach to researching, preserving, and promoting Ukrainian culture
abroad, available in both Ukrainian and English.</p>
        <p>The main elements of the consolidated information resource include:</p>
        <p>Home Page: The primary entry point of the website, featuring navigation links to all
main sections. The home page welcomes users with a project mission statement and
includes interactive features such as a keyword search tool for quickly locating
exhibitions or specific information. It also offers a language toggle, allowing users to
switch seamlessly between Ukrainian and English (see Figure 6).</p>
        <p>Interactive Map: This feature showcases all available VEs, enabling users to explore
exhibitions based on geographic locations. The map also provides interactive content
with additional information about each exhibition (see Figure 7).</p>
        <p>Virtual Exhibits: An interactive gallery displaying all VEs, each accompanied by brief
descriptions. This format allows users to engage deeply with the content and understand
the significance of each exhibition (see Figure 8).</p>
        <p>Contacts: This section includes a feedback form, contact details, and user support. The
feedback form, with fields for name, email, and message, facilitates direct
communication between users and the website administration, enabling inquiries,
suggestions, or participation in the project.</p>
        <p>Forum: An interactive discussion platform where users can exchange ideas, ask
questions, and share experiences related to the VEs of the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada.
The forum encourages community building around the topic and serves as a valuable
source of new ideas and suggestions for improving the resource.</p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec-5-5">
        <title>6.3. VEs as Tools for Instruction and SoTL Projects</title>
        <p>The resource generated through this study not only preserves culture, but also shows promise as a
tool for educational initiatives. VEs offer a flexible platform for instructional design by providing a
vast collection of historical and cultural artifacts, allowing instructors to create immersive and
informative educational experiences. In addition to these educational applications, VEs open up new
avenues for Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) research, inspiring potential projects and
raising important questions, such as:</p>
        <p>Project Title: Integrating VEs into Higher Education: A Case Study of the Ukrainian
Diaspora.</p>
        <p>Research Question: How can VEs of the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada enhance students'
engagement with cultural heritage in an online learning environment?
2. Project Title: Evaluating the Impact of VEs on Interdisciplinary Learning Outcomes.</p>
        <p>Research Question: In what ways do VEs facilitate interdisciplinary learning in courses
that combine history, cultural studies, and digital humanities?</p>
        <p>Research Question: How can students' involvement in curating VEs contribute to their
understanding of digital scholarship and cultural heritage preservation?
Project Title: Digital Platforms for Cultural Identity Preservation: VEs as Educational
Tools.</p>
        <p>Research Question: What roles do VEs play in promoting cultural identity preservation,
and how can this role be leveraged in SoTL projects focused on multicultural education?
By integrating these digital platforms in SoTL research, educators can investigate how VEs
enable novel types of student interaction, analytical thinking, and team-based learning.
Additionally, the interactive components of the created tool - like feedback choices, discussions, and
the interactive map - offer chances for students and teachers to interact with the content in
significant ways, promoting a better comprehension of both the cultural impact of the Ukrainian
diaspora and the importance of preserving digital heritage.</p>
      </sec>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec-6">
      <title>Acknowledgements</title>
      <p>We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Brenda M. Stoesz, Research Lead – Science of
Teaching and Learning, The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, Adjunct
Professor, Department of Psychology, Co-Editor, Canadian Perspectives on Academic Integrity,
Founder &amp; Chair, Manitoba Academic Integrity Network (MAIN), University of Manitoba, Canada,
for the invaluable feedback during the review of this article.</p>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec-7">
      <title>7. Conclusions</title>
      <p>Over the course of nearly 130 years, Ukrainian immigrants in the Canadian prairies have not simply
assimilated into Canada’s multi-ethnic society but have instead formed a strong ethnic community.
This community has played a vital role in shaping Canadian social and cultural life. In a foreign
land, Ukrainians have produced a
wealth of valuable documentary materials that chronicle their experiences in Canada, creating an
integral part of both Ukrainian and Canadian history. As the global digitization of archival
collections accelerates, more of these materials are becoming accessible to scholars online,
facilitating further research and exploration.</p>
      <p>The comparative analysis of Ukrainian and Canadian web exhibitions highlights key differences
in exhibit creation and presentation, spanning over a century of Ukrainian immigration to Canada.
Ukrainian exhibitions focus on printed documents and photographs, while Canadian exhibitions
offer a broader range of materials, including multimedia. Canadian web exhibitions are often
narrative-driven, with cohesive thematic sections, whereas Ukrainian exhibitions emphasize lists of
digitized items. Despite these structural differences, both types of exhibitions share the common
goal of preserving and promoting the Ukrainian diaspora's heritage. The comprehensive metadata
provided by institutions like the University of Manitoba Libraries plays a crucial role in enhancing
the accessibility and usability of these collections. The successful development of a consolidated
resource for housing these virtual exhibitions in Canada was achieved through a combination of
informational and functional modeling methods, ensuring effective system design, data
management, and long-term preservation.</p>
      <p>The consolidated resource offers significant benefits for researchers, educators, and the general
public, as it brings together diverse exhibitions in one platform. This integration enhances research
and educational initiatives and promotes the preservation of Ukrainian culture.</p>
      <p>Further research may focus on expanding the database of Ukrainian diaspora exhibitions from
other countries and further improving user experience through the integration of new technologies.
In particular, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) holds potential for enhancing archival processes,
such as accessioning, metadata creation, and search optimization. AI tools can assist archivists in
evaluating and sorting materials, creating contextual notes, and improving document discovery
[48]. The incorporation of AI in the development and management of VEs could be a compelling
direction for future research, helping to streamline processes and create more engaging and
accessible digital collections.
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