Research Question, M.Fanton

I am working on the topic of obsolete electronic storage media because...I want to find out the rates in which obsolescence occurs for various types of media in a comparative study...in order to develop a cost an labor analysis that will inform museum and archive professionals about the optimum time frame in which to create preservation copies of existing storage media in their collections.

Based on this (run-on) statement, I have developed a research question:

Are there obsolescence models and patterns that can predict the optimum time frame in which to actively preserve (that is, to make archival copies of) aging storage media, so that archives and museums can take a proactive rather than reactive approach to their preservation?

Dr. Carroll had a series of follow up questions, such as:

1. What is the existing research?
2. Does the existing research need to be updated?
3. Are there exiting models?
4. Will I (the researcher and writer) be providing a series of recommendations?

In class we discussed the potential applications of this research, in which I expressed a desire to take a practical approach rather than a conceptual (only) approach. This will have an effect on my research methodologies and how I design possible recommendations.

In order to proceed, I will need to read current research papers, articles, and books in the field, as well as contact museum professionals at institutions with electronic media in their collections. Dr. Carroll recommended contacting Rebecca Simmons at the RIT Archives. 

I may narrow my research to a specific type of media (audio recordings, for example). Although my initial interest was in the preservation of floppy discs (PC games) and video game cartridges, this presents the additional challenge of confronting the tangled webs of intellectual property and copyright law associated with them. I have decided to take a different path so that my research will apply to a broader range of institutions (collections) and increase its potential future use. 

Code 42 software company has put together the following infographic for their Crashplan web site (an online data backup service?). Not only does it illustrate my topic, it also contains sources for me to further explore (at the bottom), and points to other considerations I will have to address such as the storage of storage media (conditions) and usage (used regularly or barely touched?).

I am not endorsing this service, but this presents an example of a form my research might take.

Initial Thesis Concept, Melissa Fanton

Magnetic storage media has a short life cycle, but the complexity of its preservation has been an obstacle to creating standard preservation practices, which are still in their infancy. Many museums and archives with magnetic storage media seem to be waiting for the right "conditions" to begin preserving the content stored within (affordable storage, best practices, the right software and hardware), but predicted life cycles for most magnetic storage media are 30 years or less (under optimal storage conditions). Those floppy disks in the collection? They're "dead". Those VHS tapes? They're dead, too. Those video game cartridges? Dead. While paper materials are being digitized to improve accessibility, magnetic media deteriorates, threatening the existence of the content within.

My original goal was to read the current research and construct an argument that there are preservation solutions, we (in the museum field) simply don't prioritize these types of collection items. Museums will often accept these items into their collection without testing them due to time, labor, and equipment limitations (is the data in tact, "uncorrupted", and accessible?).

With a much narrower focus (specific type of media, specific type of institution or collection), I thought I would be ready to begin, however, it just doesn't feel right. A senior thesis isn't just supported by research; it is supported by four years of undergraduate education and other experience. Have I prepared myself to write about such a topic, even from a museum collections intern perspective? In some respects, yes, in others, not at all. My "gut" tells me I will be spending more time educating myself on fundamental concepts related to my topic than doing targeted, in-depth research and writing. Will I be mid-way through the process before my brain finally cries "does not compute!?" Before I make a decision to commit to this topic, I will need to do more research.

Since this idea stemmed from a concern with preserving video game software and hardware in museum collections, I have included the video I will be watching next. The video below is part II of a panel discussion hosted by the Smithsonian American Art Museum "focused on how to conserve and preserve digital media, specifically video games..." One of the members on the panel is J. P. Dyson, Director of the International Center for the History of Electronic Games (ICHEG) and VP for Exhibits at The Strong from The Strong National Museum of Play.