Community-based partnerships in the design of information systems: The case of the knowledge commons

Using the case of a cultural institution in Australia, the paper introduces the context and application of the knowledge commons, a vision in cultural institutions and in doing so, argue for the case of community centred approach to design based on structurational and action research principles for cultural communities. The paper argues for the application of design principles and in studying how these principles may be enacted in cultural institutions; it argues for potential of empowering and sustaining communities.