University of North Carolina at Greensboro (University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Information, Library, and Research Sciences (ILRS))

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro will lay the foundation for developing robust independent-made (indie) digital video game collections in academic and public libraries. While libraries have collected physical copies of video games for a long time, they currently lack methods for collecting digital-only games. The project team will conduct exploratory research to understand critical issues, host a national virtual forum to spark broader discussion, and compose a working group to develop legal and sociotechnical road maps for collecting indie digital games. In addition to the products of the working group, the project will result in a research article, two conference presentations, blog posts, two webinar presentations, and proceedings and recordings from the forum. Expected outcomes include a comprehensive understanding of stakeholder needs, strategies for legal and technical infrastructure, and increased access to indie games. Beneficiaries include librarians, indie game developers, and game collection users at academic and public libraries.