Topics in Cultural Heritage Informatics: Archives As Data

A comprehensive introduction to the digital transformation and analytical techniques applied to digital cultural heritage collections and archives. From text messages, early net art, and Presidential social media, students will explore archival access issues in digitization, web archiving, software emulation, and the ethical dimensions of archives that are used as data. The course emphasizes practical experience and critical thinking with collections of digital materials, empowering students to apply critical data studies perspectives and contemporary digital preservation approaches. Archives as Data focuses on the stakes of preserving current trace data and digital heritage from the recent past. Students will also be introduced to the ethical issues in preserving digital archives, responsible data management, and providing access to digital cultural heritage as data for future scholarship and public engagement.