Custodians of creativity: ethical archiving of artists’ digital records
Date
2024-08-27
Authors
Roberts, Carly
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Abstract
The digital age has dramatically reshaped archival practices, requiring novel approaches to preserve and provide access to born digital materials. The opportunities and challenges of the digital age are not only technical, but also ethical. This thesis explores the ethical archiving of artists’ digital records through a case study of the records of Scott Leroux, whose digital archive was entrusted to the University of Manitoba Archives and Special Collections (UMASC). Leroux’s extensive digital footprint, spanning many devices and social media platforms, presented distinct challenges and opportunities in archival work. Ethical considerations in digital preservation are paramount, particularly regarding the management of sensitive content and intellectual property rights. By implementing technical strategies alongside participatory appraisal and arrangement strategies, within a larger feminist ethics of care framework, the integrity and relevance of Leroux’s records are maintained. My study underscores the pivotal role of metadata in making digital records discoverable and usable. Comprehensive metadata was crucial in offering context and ensuring appropriate access to Scott Leroux’s artistic legacy. This thesis promotes the adoption of feminist and decolonial approaches to digital archiving, highlighting the importance of community engagement and radical empathy in archival work.
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Keywords
archival, Scott Leroux, private fonds, born digital records, ethical care, artists