In response to colonial legacies of divisiveness and paternalism underpinning the development of knowledge organization systems (KOS) and thus impeding their appeal, accessibility, and usefulness to diverse stakeholders (Castleden, Morgan, and Lamb, 2012), this case study explores the challenges and opportunities inherent to the design of a malleable, sustainable KOS as part of an mHealth tool called Map the Gap. Map the Gap intends to reduce the burden of housing insecurity in West Philadelphia. By examining the active cultivation of communal ties between the “epistemic” and “practical” actors (Callon, 4, 2004) who substantiate Map the Gap, as well as the sociotechnical infrastructure which shapes and is shaped by such ties, the processes of collaboration underpinning functionality decisions are delineated. This paper reflects on the way KOS sociotechnical structures defy and challenge traditional academic and community models of research and development, thus requiring a unique, temporally-conscious embracement of select and dynamic collaborations. By elucidating and evaluating the considerations and practices central to Map the Gap, we seek to yield a template for cultivating healthy KOS sociotechnical structures.
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Title
Integrating Practical and Epistemic Actors: Co-Constructing a Knowledge Organization System to Address Housing Insecurity in West Philadelphia
Creators
Samantha Stein - University of Pennsylvania
Diana Susan Nicholas - Drexel University
Yvonne Michael - Drexel University
Thanh My Nguyen - Drexel University
Kristen Giordano - Drexel University
Publication Details
Advances in Classification Research Online, v 29(1)
Resource Type
Journal article
Language
English
Academic Unit
Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Architecture, Design, and Urbanism; Design Research
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85078989443
Other Identifier
991019173882704721
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