Literaturewhere

Literaturewhere is a term used to describe a set of practices and digital resources that link literary texts to real-world places. It encompasses methods for discovering, mapping, and studying the spatial dimensions of literature, including settings, routes, and geographic allusions. The term is often used in digital humanities, library science, and literary studies to denote a movement rather than a single platform.

Origins and scope: The concept emerged with advances in GIS, crowd-sourced annotations, and open data. It covers geotagging of texts, place-based indexing, interactive maps, and walking routes inspired by literary works. Projects termed literaturewhere typically combine scholarly annotation with public engagement, sometimes involving authors, readers, and local communities. It is distinct from conventional literary tourism by emphasizing systematic mapping and critical analysis rather than mere itineraries.

Features and methods: Literaturewhere projects rely on geospatial metadata, controlled vocabularies for places, and data standards to enable interoperability. They may integrate with gazetteers, digital editions, and textual corpora. Annotations often cover historical context, setting realism, and textual motifs, with citations linked to corresponding passages. Issues include copyright, representation, and inclusive access.

Applications and reception: Scholars use literaturewhere to study spatial storytelling, urban change, and transnational literary networks. Educators employ it for place-based learning, while readers explore maps and passages. Critics note its potential for expanding readership and research visibility, though concerns remain about data quality and sustainability.

See also: geobibliography, literary mapping, digital humanities.