Outlining the general history of the CD-ROM and its sources, the CD-Hist project presents a curated bibliography that provides a first in-depth look into this artifact and medium. The bibliography spans a wide range of materials, reflecting the CD-ROM’s diverse contributions to media, technology, and culture. It includes sources that examine various CD-ROM genres, from encyclopedias and virtual museum exhibits to edutainment platforms and video games.
Beyond genres, the bibliography explores the technologies behind the CD-ROM, its role in the marketplace, and its influence on industry dynamics—including discussions on piracy, shareware, and distribution models. It also highlights the CD-ROM’s function as a storage medium, its role in digital archiving and its ability to enable new forms of information organization and databasing.
Additionally, the collection features guides and manuals on CD-ROM use, along with catalogs and directories that track the release of CD-ROM titles across different periods.
By bringing together these diverse sources, the CD-Hist project aims to offer an initial glimpse into the intricate and relatively recent history of the CD-ROM. While the bibliography is still a work in progress led by Alina Volynskaya, it is already accessible through Zotero.
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