Method and Subject Advances Using Digital Methods in Global History

• Published in: Global Europe – Basel Papers on Europe in a Global Perspective no. 123; pp. 15 - 56
• Main Author: Cornwell, Peter
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 23.06.2023
• ISSN: 2571-8118; 2571-8118
• DOI: 10.24437/global_europe.i123.1293

Research activities in the social sciences and humanities have traditionally conceived digital outputs in terms of databases and websites. Practically, most of these are still implemented using SQL, table-based, data structures and synchronic web technologies. However, the constant evolution of software means that browser functionality and security arrangements are constantly changing. As a result, few digital research outputs, except published literature, remain accessible for more than a few years. Recent progress with research data infrastructures is described, which has the potential to improve the sustainability of research investments. This article presents new standards-based annotation techniques, developed in the biodiversity community, which have been applied to global history research questions. Open repository software platforms supporting this ‘scientific treatment’ approach can now generate technology-independent data resources – supporting long-term reuse by the global community. Promoting institutional change to adopt these developments is discussed, so that costs of data stewardship can be made forecast-able.