DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AS A CHANCE. REFLECTIONS ON WOMEN* AND GENDER IN THE VIENNA CITY LIBRARY

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic has substantially intensified archives’ and libraries’ long-running struggles with the challenge of digitality. Using the example of the Wienbibliothek im Rathaus (Vienna City Library in the City Hall) and its historically grown holdings, the authors critically reflect on the advantages and disadvantages that the digital representation of materials entails and analyze the potentials that arise for women*- and gender-specific approaches. The digital transformation is seen as an opportunity to subvert historical bias to a certain extent, always keeping in mind that inequalities are perpetuated in the digital (data bias). Continuous reflection, networking and productive collaboration in a feminist sense are necessary to continue this work in a meaningful way.