Preserving Born-Digital and Interactive Literature
Project Description
The project is a case study on archiving and preserving born-digital creative writing, with a focus on interactive literature that integrates new media elements and cannot be easily translated into print. Initially centered on specific poetry collections, the research expanded to explore the effectiveness of web archiving tools like Archive-It and Webrecorder in capturing and preserving the dynamic nature of interactive literature. Interviews with creators like Ava Hoffman and Elæ Moss from The Operating System reveal concerns over the permanence of digital formats and the responsibilities of various stakeholders in the preservation process. proactive preservation strategies that recognize the specific challenges of born-digital content. It emphasizes the importance of these efforts in ensuring that diverse voices and experiences are represented in contemporary literary history. The research questions evolve to address not just the technical aspects of archiving digital works but also the ethical considerations of whose work is preserved and how this impacts the canon of literary history.
My Role
I am the single author of this work.
Methods
The project began with an intention to examine works integrating new media elements, focusing initially on Ava Hoffman’s The Woman Factory and Alyssa Moore’s visual poetry. It progressed with an exploration of web archiving tools like Archive-It and Webrecorder, using sample objects to assess their effectiveness in capturing interactive literature. An insightful blog post from the British Library, “Collecting Interactive Fiction,” provided guidance on using specific tools and categorizing works for archiving. At which point, I attempted to archive Hoffman’s The Woman Factory. This led to questioning the sustainability of web archiving for interactive literature, especially newer works. Interviews with creators, including Ava Hoffman, on whether they considered preservation during the creation of their digital work, provided insights into the longevity and preservation of the work. With Hoffman, they shared the file management for their personal copy of the collection on their desktop. My project summary outlines potential strategies for protecting their projects, focusing on improved contracts and file management techniques. Further discussions with Elæ Moss from The Operating System explored who bears the responsibility for preserving these digital creations.
Rationale
The case study critically evaluates the use of web archiving tools such as Archive-It and Webrecorder, showcasing an adept selection and application of digital technologies to enhance information functions. Through the exploration of interactive literature and engagement with creators who utilize programming within their work, the project displays a solid understanding of the role programming languages play in the creation and preservation of digital content. The hands-on attempts to archive works like Hoffman’s The Woman Factory, reflects a methodical approach to troubleshooting technology issues.