Digital Annotation

“In the tension space between the core and the margins lies the possibility”. (Higgs, 2016)

Annotation is the art of adding notes or comments to media such as text, images, videos, and audio, with the purpose of enhancing the value and depth of the annotated object. These annotations serve as a form of dialogue between the annotator and the original author or creator, or between the annotator and the audience. This interaction can provide additional insights, context, and perspectives that enrich the original content.

In the digital age, annotations have evolved to become public conversations. Unlike traditional, physical annotations, where the annotator must own the content, digital annotations can be made on shared or publicly accessible media. This digital environment fosters collaboration and allows for the inclusion of multimedia elements, such as images, and videos, which can further enrich the annotated content.

Digital annotation tools offer a variety of functionalities that extend beyond simple note-taking. Some tools are designed to prepare objects for further analysis, such as geographical text analysis, which can reveal spatial patterns and relationships within the text. Other tools help establish connections between different objects, creating a network of related content that can be explored and navigated. Additionally, digital annotations can enhance the discoverability of objects, making it easier for users to find relevant information quickly.

This guide explores various annotation software and platforms. Whether you are looking to collaborate with others, conduct in-depth analyses, or simply make your content more accessible and engaging, there is an annotation tool that can meet your needs.

Have questions or need further assistance? Feel free to contact me!

Higgs J. (2016) Marginalia and core discourse. In: Higgs J., Trede F. (eds) Professional practice discourse marginalia. SensePublishers. https://doi-org.proxy3.library.mcgill.ca/10.1007/978-94-6300-600-2_3