March 2025 - Members - lists.sigcis.org

available now for pre-order: Other Networks / A Radical Technology Sourcebook
by Lori Emerson 21 Nov '25

21 Nov '25

Dear all, At long last, my beloved book, Other Networks:A Radical Technology Sourcebook, is officially available from Anthology Editions for pre-order here<https://shop.mexicansummer.com/merch/495898-lori-emerson-other-networks-a-r…>! Sadly, despite publishing many beautifully designed art books, the publisher won’t be around for much longer which means there are only 1000 copies available of Other Networks. If you think you’d like a copy, consider pre-ordering as soon as you can manage it. With deep gratitude to my editor Mark Iosifescu<https://iosifescu.biz/>, book cover designer Robert Beatty<https://robertbeattyart.com/>, and interior book designer Ella Gold<https://ellagold.com/>, Other Networks catalogs 80+ networks that preceded or existed outside of the internet. It is also an educational project that comes out of my belief that we are all capable both of understanding networks from the past and of building alternative networks for the future; a love letter to experimental art and technology; and a liberatory guide for escaping the corporate present. The design brilliantly both recalls the long history of telecommunications networks (exemplified by late 19th century/early 20th century telegraph and telephone manuals) and rewrites that same history to have a more global perspective and to include more women; Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; and artist experiments with/on these pre-internet networks. Below is the table of contents. I have also posted on my blog excerpts from or expanded versions of entries on microbroadcasting<https://loriemerson.net/2024/09/21/the-history-of-microbroadcasting-and-how…>, barbed wire fence phones<https://loriemerson.net/2024/08/31/a-brief-history-of-barbed-wire-fence-tel…>, and imaginary networks<https://loriemerson.net/2025/01/04/brief-notes-toward-activating-the-potent…>. Sincerely, Lori (Emerson) *** Chronological List of Networks<https://loriemerson.net/2024/03/15/chronological-list-of-networks-in-other-…> Chronological List of Network Experiments<https://loriemerson.net/2024/03/15/chronological-list-of-network-experiment…> Acknowledgements Foreword Introduction Wireless Networks: Sound Networks [1] Drums [2] Whistling Air Networks [3] Fire or Smoke Signals [4] Pneumatic Tubes [5] Skywriting Water Networks [6] Hydraulic Semaphore Optical Networks [7] Flag Signaling [8] Optical Telegraph [9] Infrared Communication [10] Signal Lamp [11] Heliograph [12] Photophone [13] Ultraviolet Communication [14] Laser Communication [15] Visible Light Communication Radio Networks [16] Amateur Radio [16.1] Radiotelegraphy [16.2] Radioteletype [16.3] Amateur Television [16.4] Hellschreiber [16.5] Earth-Moon-Earth Communication [16.6] Amateur Radio Satellite [16.7] Amateur Packet Radio [17] Radio Broadcast [18] Pirate Radio [19] Radiofax [20] Two-Way Radio [21] Pager [22] Meteor Burst Communication [23] Slow Scan Television [24] Project West Ford [25] Pirate Television [26] Packet Radio Network [27] Microbroadcast [28] Software Defined Radio [29] Wi-Fi [30] Bluetooth Microwave Networks [31] Microwave Radio-Relay [32] Communications Satellite Wired Networks: Electrical Wire Networks [33] Electrical telegraph [33.1] Electrical Printing Telegraph [33.2] Image Telegraph [33.3] Fire Alarm Telegraph [33.4] Pantelegraph [33.5] Telephonic Telegraph [34] Telephone [35] Wired Radio [36] Telautograph [37] Telefacsimile [38] Videophone [39] Telex Barbed Wire Networks [40] Barbed Wire Telegraph [41] Fence Phones Hybrid Networks: [42] Library [43] Book [44] Postal System [44.1] Pigeon Post [44.2] Projectile Post [44.3] Balloon Mail [44.4] Pony Express [44.5] Airgraph and V-Mail [44.6] Email Letter [45] Sneakernet [46] Radio Broadcast Network [47] Broadcast Television [48] Cable Television [48.1] NABU [49] Cellular Network [50] Time-Sharing Network [51] Teletext [52] Videotex Imaginary Networks: [53] Necromancy [54] Pasilalinic-Sympathetic Compass [55] Telephonoscope [56] Telepathy [57] Ley Lines [58] Mundaneum [59] World Brain [60] Memex [61] Faster-Than-Light Communication Networks [62] Project Xanadu [63] Metaverse [64] The Clacks [65] Pandoran Neural Network [66] Cosmic Internet -- “I use technology in order to hate it properly.” — Nam June Paik Lori Emerson | KF0LCB | she/her/they/them Associate Professor | Associate Chair Graduate Studies | Director, Media Archaeology Lab Media Studies Department | University Colorado Boulder Traditional territories of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute Nations Other Networks: A Radical Technology Sourcebook<https://shop.mexicansummer.com/merch/495898-lori-emerson-other-networks-a-r…> Mastodon<https://post.lurk.org/@loriemerson> | Bluesky<https://bsky.app/profile/loriemerson.net> | loriemerson.net<http://loriemerson.net/> | mediaarchaeologylab.com<http://mediaarchaeologylab.com/>

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Mahoney Prize Nominations due by April 15th
by Janet Toland 25 Mar '25

25 Mar '25

Dear SIGCIS, A reminder that nominations are now open for the 2025 Mahoney Prize. Articles published in 2022; 2023 & 2024 are eligible. If you submitted in a previous round and your article is still eligible, please note that you are welcome to resubmit. The Mahoney Prize recognizes an outstanding article in the history of computing and information technology, broadly conceived. The Mahoney Prize commemorates the late Princeton scholar Michael S. Mahoney, whose profound contributions to the history of computing came from his many articles and book chapters. The prize consists of a $500 award and a certificate. For the 2025 prize, articles published in the preceding three years (2022, 2023, and 2024) are eligible for nomination. The Mahoney Prize is awarded by the Special Interest Group in Computers, Information, and Society (SIGCIS). We plan to present the prize at the annual SIGCIS meeting. Please email copies of articles being nominated to the 2025 Prize Committee by April 15, 2025. Self-nominations are welcome, as are nominations from SIGCIS members. Information on previous winning essays may be found on the website: https://www.sigcis.org/mahoneyprize<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.sigcis.org/mahoneyprize__;!!BuQPrrm…> 2025 prize committee information: David Murphy (Chair) Senior Lecturer, Digital, Tech, Innovation & Business Staffordshire University david.murphy(a)staffs.ac.uk<mailto:david.murphy@staffs.ac.uk> Janet Toland Adjunct Professor School of Information Management Victoria University of Wellington janet.toland(a)vuw.ac.nz<mailto:janet.toland@vuw.ac.nz> Luke Stark Assistant Professor Faculty of Information and Media Studies University of Western Ontario cstark23(a)uwo.ca<mailto:cstark23@uwo.ca>

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[SHOT] Call for Submissions – Panel on Code Histories
by FICHEN Mathilde 22 Mar '25

22 Mar '25

Dear colleagues, We are organizing a panel on the social history of code creation and programming practices for the SHOT conference<https://www.historyoftechnology.org/annual-meeting/2025-shot-annual-meeting…>, and we invite you to submit proposals. While software history has gained traction, the cultural, social, and technical dimensions of coding remain underexplored. This panel seeks to address this gap, drawing on Critical Code Studies and related fields to examine how source code and programming practices shape and reflect broader historical contexts. The full proposal<https://www.historyoftechnology.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025_shot_ho…> can be found on the conference website. If you are interested, please submit a 150 word abstract as well as name, title, affiliation, and e-mail address before March 23. Please feel free to share this with interested colleagues. Best, Mathilde Organizers: Alexandre Hocquet (Université de Lorraine), Frédéric Wieber (Université de Lorraine), Titaÿna Kauffmann (University of Luxembourg), Mathilde Fichen (Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers) Mathilde Fichen Ph.D Candidate CNAM - HT2S<https://technique-societe.cnam.fr/histoire-des-technosciences-en-societe-ht…> Personal page: mathfichen.github.io<https://mathfichen.github.io/>

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Annals 47(1) now available
by Troy Astarte 20 Mar '25

20 Mar '25

Dear colleagues, I am happy to announce the latest issue of IEEE Annals of the History of Computing is now available online. Entitled ‘Communication and Commerce’, it is a regular issue comprising research articles and department pieces on a variety of topics. You can find the issue in the CDSL<https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2025/01> or Xplore<https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/tocresult.jsp?isnumber=10927656&punumber=85>. Please find the table of contents below. [MAHC_47_1_cover.jpg] Research article Netnews: The Origin Story<https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2025/01/10588955/1YpRfZQ8jS0> by Steven M. Bellovin<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Steven%2…> Research article A Compelling Image: The Tower of Babel and the Proliferation of Programming Languages During the 1960s<https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2025/01/10662894/1ZUNFMzPPbO> by David Nofre<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=David&su…> Research article Mechanical Numeracy: Thinking With the Soroban Abacus in Modern Japan<https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2025/01/10689568/20tjcM1lYOc> by Mark Yu-Shan Chen<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Mark%20Y…> Researcha article Presence of IBM Data Processing Equipment in Latin America, 1920s–1980s, and Insights for Historians<https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2025/01/10805091/22KNV9YGmHK> by James W. Cortada<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=James%20…> Department: Anecdotes Big Baggy Shorts: Recovering Data From Canada’s Telidon System<https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2025/01/10927689/2558cwd9Gwg> by John Durno<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=John&sur…>, John Aycock<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=John&sur…>, Alexandra Tenney<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Alexandr…> Department: Think Piece In Defense of Model-Makers: Adding a New Point to the Computer Conservation Continuum<https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2025/01/10927679/2558c3tpz3i> by Guy Fedorkow<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Guy&surn…>, Jochen Viehoff<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Jochen&s…>, David Woitkowski<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=David&su…> Department: Events And Sightings A Special Year at the Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum<https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2025/01/10927608/2558cmiC7UA> by David Woitkowski<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=David&su…> Best, Dr. Troy Kaighin Astarte (they/them / nhw) I often dictate messages due to motor disability; please forgive any oddities resulting. Lecturer, Computer Science / Darlithydd, Cyfrifiadureg Swansea University / Prifysgol Abertawe Editor-in-Chief / Prif Olygydd, IEEE Annals of the History of Computing For students: my drop in hours are on the Intranet<https://fse-intranet.swan.ac.uk/intranet/staff_officehours?selected_staff_i…> (office CoFo 407) I fyfyrwyr: mae fy oriau swyddfa ar y fewnrwyd. Meeting booking: via Office Booking<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/8e101a47e22e4af793d033901758d0e4…>. Zoom office: https://swanseauniversity.zoom.us/my/t.k.astarte Every email has a cost to the climate. Please think before sending short emails. Mae gan bob e-bost gost i’r hinsawdd. Meddyliwch cyn i chi anfon e-byst byr. Yes, I have switched my default message font. Do you like it?

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Participate in the "AI for Access" Survey – Help Shape the Future of AI in Archives
by Jen Litwin 20 Mar '25

20 Mar '25

Dear Special Interest Group for Computing, Information, and Society, AI for Access is a new project funded by the Society of American Archivists Foundation (SAAF) sponsored by the CLIR/DLF Born-Digital Access Working Group (BDAWG) <https://www.diglib.org/groups/bdawg/>. Our research team is investigating how the archival community is using artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) tools to enhance and facilitate access to digital archival materials. As AI technologies evolve and digital collections grow exponentially, understanding their impact and potential in archival settings is more crucial than ever. We invite you to participate in our survey, which aims to gather insights on current and planned AI/ML use in archives, as well as perceptions of these tools. Your input will help shape recommendations for the archival community, contribute to AI-related advocacy efforts, and inform work with the Society of American Archivists (SAA) to refine key AI/ML terminology. We are seeking input from all viewpoints including those who do not currently or are not planning to use AI tools to get a sense of the current state of adoption as well as those excited by the new technology. Survey Link: https://berkeley.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6DKVbuk6lFO12tw Estimated Time to Complete: 20-30 minutes Deadline: April 14, 2025 Your participation is invaluable in helping to demystify AI in archives and advocate for ethics and other considerations around its adoption. Please feel free to forward this survey to colleagues who may also be interested. In an effort to limit bot responses, we ask you to not post this survey link to social media at this time. Thank you for your time and contribution! Sincerely, Jen Wachtel Litwin, CA "AI is for Access" Catalyst Grant (SAA) project of the Digital Library Federation Born-Digital Access Working Group

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SHOT and SIGCIS
by Ceruzzi, Paul 17 Mar '25

17 Mar '25

I mentioned earlier that I have moved my thoughts on the history of computing from SIGCIS to Substack. But I have to make an exception, after hearing the president of the United States exclaiming "Everything's computer!" He, perhaps unknowingly, expressed perfectly why SIGCIS, among all the SIGS in SHOT, has grown, while the other SIGS have either remained steady or declined. This, by the way, is also a central theme of Tom Haigh's and my book, the Third Edition of a History of Moden Computing. I know many of you are uncomfortable with anyone even mentioning the President Who Shall Not Be Named. But you gotta admit... Here is my Substack post: https://substack.com/home/post/p-149397209

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History of Formal Methods (Call for papers for a special issue of FAC)
by Cliff Jones 11 Mar '25

11 Mar '25

[X]Formal Aspects of Computing Special Issue on the History of Formal Methods Guest Editors: • Cliff Jones, Newcastle University, UK, cliff.jones(a)newcastle.ac.uk<mailto:cliff.jones@newcastle.ac.uk> • Jim Woodcock, University of York, UK, jim.woodcock(a)york.ac.uk<mailto:jim.woodcock@york.ac.uk> Formal Aspects of Computing is pleased to announce a call for papers for a special issue dedicated to the history of formal methods. These techniques encompass mathematically based strategies for the specification, development, and verification of software and hardware systems and have played a crucial role in advancing computing. This special issue will shed light on the historical development, key figures, landmark projects, and the broader impact of formal methods over the years. Topics We invite submissions of original research papers, review articles, and insightful essays that explore various historical aspects of formal methods, including but not limited to: • Foundational Developments: Early theoretical foundations and seminal works that shaped the field of formal methods. • Pioneering Researchers and Institutions: Biographical studies and institutional histories highlighting contributions to advancing formal methods. • Case Studies of Influential Projects: In-depth historical analyses of significant projects, systems, or technologies that prominently featured formal methods. • Technological and Methodological Evolution: The progression and refinement of formal methods, tools, and techniques. • Impact on Software and Hardware Engineering: The influence of formal methods on software and hardware engineering practices and methodologies. • Educational Contributions and Initiatives: The role of formal methods in academic curricula and educational programs. • Comparative Historical Studies: Cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural comparisons of formal methods with similar approaches in other fields. • Archival Discoveries: Research based on previously unpublished documents, correspondence, and archival materials related to formal methods. • Reflections on Historiography: Methodological and historiographical reflections on researching and documenting the history of formal methods. Important Dates • Submission Deadline: 14 July 2025 • Notification of Acceptance: 15 September 2025 • Final Manuscript Due: 15 December 2025 • Publication Date: March 2026 Submission Guidelines: • Manuscript Preparation: Submissions should be original, unpublished works and adhere to the journal's formatting guidelines. Detailed submission instructions<https://dl.acm.org/journal/fac/author-guidelines> are available on the FormalAspects of Computing website. • Length: Full-length research articles should be at least 16 pages. Shorter articles, including historical notes and essays, are also welcome. • Format: Manuscripts should be submitted in PDF format. Authors are encouraged to useLaTeX for document preparation, though Word submissions are also accepted. • Peer Review: All submissions will be reviewed by distinguished formal methods and computing history experts. Submission Portal: Manuscripts should be submitted electronically through the journal's online submission system at https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/fac. For questions and further information, please get in touch with the special issue editors at cliff.jones(a)newcastle.ac.uk<mailto:cliff.jones@newcastle.ac.uk> and jim.woodcock(a)york.ac.uk<mailto:jim.woodcock@york.ac.uk>. We look forward to your contributions to this special issue exploring the rich history of formal methods.

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CfP Chat-Token-Vector Symposium Ca 'Foscari University Venice - Deadline for Abstracts April 1
by Amira Moeding 10 Mar '25

10 Mar '25

Dear SIGCIS members, The Chat Token Vector Symposium: Questioning Models of Language and Neo-Structuralism in AI, on the history, philosophy and impact of Large Language Models will take place from June 11- 13 at Ca 'Foscari University in Venice. The deadline for submitting abstracts is April 1. For more information on the symposium and the Call for Papers please see https://www.unive.it/web/en/14779/home We are looking forward to welcoming you to Venice, With best wishes, Prof Matteo Pasquinelli and Amira Moeding

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CFP: ASAP and Toxicity as Atopia
by Corinna Kirsch 03 Mar '25

03 Mar '25

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CFP: ILWCH Special Issue on the Global Labor History of AI
by Susannah Glickman 02 Mar '25

02 Mar '25

Dear all, Excited to announce this special issue on the Global Labor History of AI for the International Labor and Working Class Journal <https://networks.h-net.org/group/announcements/20060412/global-labor-histor…>, which I am editing with Aaron Benanav. AI and Labor’s Dual Role Advances in fields such as cybernetics, information technology, data processing, expert systems, operations research, computer numerical control (CNC), telematics, and “generative artificial intelligence” have been used since at least the 1940s to threaten, control, and sometimes replace workers engaged in mental labor—effectively making this labor “disappear” in the process of production. Yet the development and maintenance of these systems rely on vast amounts of often-hidden labor, including the work of keypunch operators, systems analysts, coders, switchboard operators, data processors, technicians and engineers, data-entry clerks, IT support staff, cable layers, infrastructure workers, and technical support and customer service staff. Despite their crucial roles, these workers are frequently rendered invisible as companies downplay the labor required to create these systems. Through various means, companies have also circumvented efforts by these workers to organize, associate, and fight back. Understanding AI in a Global Historical Context We seek to understand recent developments in generative artificial intelligence within the longer history of computer and digital work. How have AI and earlier technologies been used to either promote or obscure the realities of labor? How do governments, global financial institutions, management consultancies, and other actors participate in promoting these narratives, and why? Why is there often a stark contrast between popular narratives of AI and the material realities of the labor involved? While much of this history has unfolded in the global North, we are especially interested in research that illuminates the labor dimensions of computing and AI across different global contexts. • What forms of labor are required to create and maintain computer and AI systems, and how have these roles evolved over time? • What is the impact of AI on traditional labor hierarchies and the division of mental and manual labor? • What is the relationship between AI, surveillance, and the intensification of labor in various workplaces? • In what ways do companies obscure the amount and types of labor involved in developing these technologies? • How does the development of these technologies intersect with issues of gender, race, and class in labor history? • How have AI and other technological advancements impacted labor markets differently in the global South compared to the global North? • What historical parallels can be drawn between the current AI hype cycle and past technological revolutions? • How have governments and policymakers shaped the labor dynamics of AI, both historically and in the present? • What strategies have workers and labor movements employed to respond to the rise of AI in the workplace? Please submit your 250-word abracts and circulate to friends and colleagues! All the best, Susannah

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