The phenomenon of inadvertently removing embedded moving image content from online digital exhibits, specifically those constructed within the Omeka platform, presents a challenge to long-term preservation and accessibility. This issue often arises when the original source, such as a video hosted on a popular video-sharing service, is deleted by its owner or the platform itself, thus rendering the embedded version inaccessible within the exhibit. For example, a curated online exhibit featuring historical footage sourced from individual user accounts on a video-sharing platform might find that the corresponding videos no longer play if the original user removes their content.
The significance of addressing this issue lies in its potential to compromise the integrity and informational value of digital humanities projects. The use of moving images within online exhibits enhances user engagement and provides valuable contextual information. Loss of this content can undermine research, diminish educational impact, and create gaps in the narrative presented. Understanding the historical context surrounding this problem is crucial; as dependence on third-party hosting services increases, so does the risk of content erasure impacting scholarly work. The ability to ensure continued availability is critical for maintaining the scholarly record.
