The Grateful Dead and the Long, Strange Tale of the Tapers: This research paper explores the Grateful Dead fan community, especially the fans who dedicated themselves to the practice of taping the band’s concerts between 1965 and 1995. Their tapes were frequently archived and shared throughout the community. The tapers’ long and complex history invites an interdisciplinary discussion of how, and why, they became such prolific archivists of the band’s music. This paper argues that they were, in some ways, even more powerful in shaping the Grateful Dead’s legacy than its members were.

Robin Doll: “It’s an honor to be selected for the Exemplary Student Showcase, and I am grateful for Dr. Westbrook’s encouragement throughout the research process. I am a second-year iSchool student, tutor, and radio DJ living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Prior to iSchool, I earned a bachelor’s degree in English Literature at UC Berkeley. I am interested in helping to make information systems more accessible and inclusive for all people. Outside of school and work, I can be found listening to records (including the Grateful Dead!), gardening, and reading books with my cats.”