Hypertext has transformed rather than eliminated manuscript form and value, prompting a new “transmediation” theory that maps material manuscript cues onto digital technologies.
The consolidated approaches on manuscript studies involving the analysis of material artefacts are challenged
The mapping between digital and material artefacts outlines a theory of manuscript "transmediations" identifying where and how manuscripts cues are reflected in digital technologies
We elaborate the requirements of a hypertext "genre" for digital manuscripts that supports reconciling the open-ended collaborative process of curation with the need for a coherent narrative addressed to the broader public
Hypertext has transformed rather than eliminated manuscript form and value, prompting a new “transmediation” theory that maps material manuscript cues onto digital technologies.
Material manuscripts and hypertext share comparable documentary values, allowing their cues to be traced across media.
A theory of manuscript “transmediations” can systematically locate where manuscript cues appear in digital environments.
Current scholarly editions face challenges in accommodating open‑ended, collaborative curation while delivering coherent public narratives.
The mapping between digital and material artefacts outlines a theory of manuscript "transmediations" identifying where and how manuscripts cues are reflected in digital technologies
We elaborate the requirements of a hypertext "genre" for digital manuscripts that supports reconciling the open-ended collaborative process of curation with the need for a coherent narrative addressed to the broader public
To integrate digital artefacts into manuscript studies and reveal their relationship to traditional material manuscripts.
The research employs emerging digital‑forensic and “virtual desk” methodologies, combined with qualitative case‑study analyses of specific digital transitions from manuscript to hypertext.
Identification of concrete parallels between material manuscript features (e.g., marginalia, collation) and hypertextual elements (e.g., hyperlinks, versioning).
Formulation of the transmediation model that maps manuscript cues onto digital affordances.
A set of highlighted challenges for digital scholarly editions, including maintaining narrative coherence amid collaborative editing.
Hypertext does not eradicate the manuscript tradition; instead, it reconfigures it through transmediations that preserve documentary value while demanding new editorial strategies and genre conventions for digital scholarship.
The full nature and relational dynamics of native‑digital manuscripts remain under‑explored, limiting the completeness of the transmediation model.
Reliance on emerging digital‑forensic tools, which are still being refined, may affect the robustness of findings.
Conduct deeper empirical investigations of native‑digital manuscript ecosystems using advanced digital‑forensic techniques.
Refine and test the transmediation framework across a broader range of case studies and disciplinary contexts.
Develop guidelines for scholarly editions that balance collaborative curation with narrative coherence.
Inform the design of digital scholarly editing platforms that embed transmediation principles, ensuring manuscript cues are preserved in hypertext environments.
Guide publishers and digital humanities projects in creating a hypertext “genre” that supports both collaborative workflows and accessible public narratives.
material artefacts outlines a theory of manuscript "transmediations
how manuscripts cues are reflected in digital technologies
This theory is developed through case studies and analyses of digital transitions