Museums and the History of Computing: Objects, Narratives and Practice

Museums and the History of Computing explores the role of cultural organizations in shaping 'digital heritage' and preserving the rich heritage of the digital world. It highlights the importance of museums in safeguarding and interpreting ephemeral and changing digital technologies, offering new pathways for rethinking their meaning in contemporary societies. The book provides practices and strategies for preserving and exhibiting computing artifacts and accommodating narratives about computing histories. It challenges us to think critically about what 'digital is' when examined as a cultural object.

Format: Hardback
Length: 114 pages
Publication date: 26 July 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Museums and the History of Computing explores the significant role of cultural institutions, such as museums and galleries, in shaping 'digital heritage,' encompassing the cultural heritage surrounding computer technology. By focusing on digital technologies as tangible objects and practices that museums collect, exhibit, and preserve for the future, this book underscores the crucial role of museums in safeguarding the rich heritage of the digital world and creating compelling narratives that make it relevant to the public. It demonstrates that museums can be effective means of preserving and interpreting ephemeral and constantly evolving digital technologies, offering novel perspectives on the significance of digital objects and practices in contemporary societies. The book provides practical guidelines for preserving and exhibiting computing artifacts and strategies for engaging with and responding to narratives about the history of computing that circulate in the public domain. It brings together renowned museum and university researchers and practitioners, fostering cross-disciplinary discussions and approaches in fields such as museum studies, cultural heritage, history of technology, anthropology, and media studies. This book challenges us to critically examine what 'digital' means when viewed not only as a tool but also as a cultural artifact worthy of attention and a place within the museum. Museums and the History of Computing is intended for museum studies students and researchers, as well as museum practitioners, particularly those with an interest in digital technology and heritage. It will be of interest to researchers and students who are passionate about the histories of computing and digital media, as well as those studying digital media studies.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032544014