Roundtable Statement
There are many archives in the field of the electronic or new media arts. For an inventory-in-progress see isea-archives.org/other_new_media_art_archives. Some only collect data, others aim at preserving art works. Practically all are struggling to keep their head above water. Major museums seem not really aware of the need to preserve this modern cultural heritage. The way forward seems to be to unite, not just as seperate organisations, but by connecting the archives. Subjects to be discussed include:
Interoperability
Connecting with libraries
Classification; need for non-standard classicification
Different objects, models, keywords, unique form
Search engines
-Technical
-Conceptual
Conservation
Formats
Metadata standards for new media
Curating – always a critique when classifying
Network of archives – one central place that may connect to each archive
A non-central node-based system similar to the internet
Worldwide Consortium – where organisations with archives meet on a regular basis
Creation of an API
Data export – comparison
Ownership issues. Legal, funding, ego
Standards – fields, taxonomies and metadata – the ontologies
Citizen Science approach – participatory development
Information architecture – overall analysis of diff archives.
Translation
Different standards
Different technologies and platforms
Role universities, organisations, governments, major museums
Library of Congress (USA)
- Bonnie Mitchell (USA), Bowling Green University, OH USA. SIGGRAPH Art Show and ISEA Symposium archivist. member of the ISEA International Advisory Committee, former ISEA International board member.
- Janice Searleman, Adjunct Research Professor of Computer Science, Clarkson University, USA. SIGGRAPH Art Show and ISEA Symposium archivist.