The Born Digital in the Archives: One Curator's Experience

The Born Digital in the Archives: One Curator's Experience

Curation

The documents and files created and stored in composer Jonathan Larson’s computer were donated to the Music Division of the Library of Congress upon Jonathan’s death. Doug Reside, digital curator for the New York Public Library of the Performing Arts applied digital forensics to recover some of Larson’s born digital files—an increasingly common phenomenon as obsolescence of technology coupled with computer-based creation alters the work flow of receiving, cataloging and storing collections deposited into the archive. In this article, Susan Manus of the LOC Music Division, relates two interviews held with Reside that reveal the successful collaboration between digital forensics, librarians, and researchers. Reside describes the meticulous process of extracting data from obsolete technologies using disk imaging and emulators but adds that the process does not end with ingesting files. The significance of the data— its relevance for researchers and performers—must also be interpreted and Reside worked with music specialists and researchers to provide intellectual as well as physical access to Larson’s collection. Unexpectedly, Reside also discovered material useful for performers recreating Larson’s musical, “Rent,” underscoring the potential for the larger public to access and use the Larson collection. Manus points out, however, that the combination of cloud computing, proprietary software, and rights to privacy may result in unrecovered files, potentially eliminating much of the creative work currently being produced. Increased collaboration between libraries, archives, and creators during the course of their work may offset these losses.

The late Jonathan Larson went through many drafts when composing what became the hit-musical RENT. The tragic end to his life is well known – he died suddenly at age 35 in 1996 shortly before the off-Broadway opening of the musical. What may not be well known is that these early drafts of RENT and other artifacts from Larson’s life and career were hidden for years, existing only on floppy disks and now-obsolete software programs.

Manus, Susan.

The Library of Congress

2012-29-08

Polk, Victoria

Website

http://blogs.loc.gov/digitalpreservation/2012/08/the-born-digital-in-the-archives-one-curators-experience/

Manus, Susan. "The Born Digital in the Archives: One Curator's Experience." The Signal: Digital Preservation, April 29, 2012, http://blogs.loc.gov/digitalpreservation/2012/08/the-born-digital-in-the-archives-one-curators-experience/