Catherine Alexander, 'An Investigation of Environmentally Sustainable Digital Preservation in Scotland'
This study examines the ways in which the subject area of environmentally sustainable digital preservation has been received and responded to by professionals in the Scottish digital preservation sector. Taking the vital nature of action against climate change at all levels of society as a starting point, an investigation into the ways in which digital preservation can be made more environmentally sustainable is succeeded by research into the nature of views and practice in light of these new recommendations. Through interviews conducted with four digital preservation professionals, extensive insight is gained into the ways in which environmentally sustainable digital preservation is being approached and enacted in a range of contexts throughout Scotland. The result of this investigation is a clear picture indicating the extensive awareness and belief in the importance of environmentally sustainable digital preservation, alongside a demonstration that considered action is being undertaken by professionals in this area. These findings constitute a step forward from existing research into this subject area, and may have significant implications for further study.
Mychely Schubert, 'Blockchain and land property records: a multiple case study identifying barriers'
This research aimed to identify barriers in implementing blockchain-based solutions – a tamper free way of recording transactions and tracking assets – for ensuring the authenticity, integrity, digital continuity and long-term preservation of land property records. International comparative case studies were undertaken through a survey with professionals investigating blockchain technology and its implementation to land property projects. Data analysis identified three main barriers to implementing blockchain in land property registration: uncertainty around legal implications, lack of professional and user awareness and technical interoperability; and concluded that major changes in the land property systems would be needed for implementation.
sasha arden, 'Access to Artistic Content on CD-ROMs'
CD-ROMs completely changed the realm of artistic possibilities in the 1990s, but have you experienced one in the last ten years or so? The answer is likely no, and that is because CD-ROMs are now an obsolete format. This means that CD-ROMs are no longer made or in use. Further, changes in computer hardware, namely the phasing out of optical disc drives, as well as in operating systems like Mac OS 9, have made it impossible to view and experience the contents of existing artist CD-ROMs. Because of these difficulties, an important part of digital art’s history is in limbo.
As part of this graduate internship with New York University in 2021-22, sasha worked on access to artist CD-ROMs with Collection Care Research at Tate. Keith Piper’s project Relocating the Remains (1999) served as a case study to explore the technical aspects of how to enable interaction with the CD-ROM contents. sasha also paid attention to maintaining essential characteristics like color, and behaviors like click reaction times or rollover animations, which can be affected by current methods of access. This research also considered where artist CD-ROMs sit within Tate’s collections and how that affects discoverability and access, as well as available preservation resources.