Shakespeare, Digital Libraries and Media: A Literature Review

Abstract

The study reviews literature that attempts to connect Shakespeare studies with the literatures that focus on the novel approaches in teaching Shakespeare in the context of the transformation caused by digital technologies in educational practices, teaching methods and distribution of Shakespeare’s works. Online access to Shakespearean works has been enhanced through the merger of multimedia and online platforms. These advancements, however, also create challenges concerning the viability of digital archival materials, equity, and ethics within the academic community. The paper discusses the benefits and the drawbacks that animates the discussion of the digital transformation of Shakespeare studies, support the proposal for the new approaches that combine academic quality and easy access to information. The review also draws attention to the absence of relevant literature on the portrayal of non-Western perspectives as well as the future impact of the technology-enhanced approach towards teaching. Future studies should instead prioritize the development of strategies that advocate for detailed and critical engagement with Shakespeare’s texts and voice, and non-western views in combination with hands-on digital resources and progressive digital preservation.