Episode 134: Preservation Work Inside the University of Michigan Library Computer and Video Game Archive

Episode 134: Preservation Work Inside the University of Michigan Library Computer and Video Game Archive

Author: Video Game History Foundation June 25, 2025 Duration: 1:10:22

Host Phil Salvador and guest host Colleen Barrett, Rare Books Librarian at UK Libraries, chat with David Carter, Video Game Archivist and Comic Librarian at University of Michigan Library Computer and Video Game Archive, about the work he does in archiving video game material within such a large and academic institutions. We discuss what tools are available, what problems typically arise, the pros and cons of institutional preservation, and so much more.

Mentioned in the Show:

MIDSAC Pool: https://www.masswerk.at/nowgobang/2019/michigan-pool

U-M Video Game Studies: https://guides.lib.umich.edu/videogamestudies (particularly the “Other Resources” section)


You can listen to the Video Game History Hour every other Wednesday on Patreon (one day early at the $5 tier and above), on Spotify, or on our website.


See more from David Carter:

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/umcvga.bsky.social

U-M CVGA Website: https://www.lib.umich.edu/locations-and-hours/computer-and-video-game-archive

See more from Colleen Barrett:

Bluesky: Colleenlovesbks https://bsky.app/profile/colleenlovesbks.bsky.social

Institution Instagram: UK Libraries (@uklibraries

Video Game History Foundation:

Email: podcast@gamehistory.org

Website: gamehistory.org

Support us on Patreon: /gamehistoryorg


Ever wonder how the stories behind your favorite games actually get uncovered? Video Game History Hour pulls back the curtain on that process, hosted by Frank Cifaldi from the Video Game History Foundation. Instead of dry lectures, each episode feels like you’re overhearing a fascinating conversation between experts. Frank invites game developers, historians, and storytellers to share their discoveries and the real, often messy work of preservation. You’ll hear about the frustrating dead-ends that make researchers want to bang their heads against the wall, followed by those incredible breakthroughs when a forgotten piece of history suddenly clicks into place. This podcast is built on the genuine thrill of sharing a find, capturing the human side of digging through old code, tracking down obscure prototypes, or interviewing pivotal developers whose contributions have been overlooked. It’s a casual, engaging dive into the layers of an industry often focused only on the future, reminding us that every game has a past worth saving. Tune in for a refreshingly authentic look at the passion and persistence required to keep video game history alive, one surprising story at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Video Game History Hour
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