Since the introduction of tape recording media technologies in the 1950s, writers and artists have been documenting their performances of literary works, events and conversations. Yet, most of these audio archives remain inaccessible or in peril of imminent decay, or, if digitized, are still largely disconnected from each other.

The SSHRC-funded SpokenWeb partnership aims to develop a coordinated and collaborative approach to literary historical study, digital development, and critical and pedagogical engagement with diverse collections of spoken recordings from across Canada and beyond.