The Media Art Collection Research Study addresses the current state of independent media art collections in Alberta by contextualizing them within a Canadian and an international framework. Acquisition practices and policies from the archival community have been juxtaposed against those of exhibitors and distributors from within the independent media arts sector and the wider cultural community of galleries, cinémathèques and museums, in order to properly situate Alberta conventions.

The resulting recommendations have been directed at contemporary media art practitioners, those who manage media art collections, those who foster or fund the growth and development of the independent media arts community, and those who seek to provide ongoing access to the historical development and legacy of independent media art practices within Alberta. It is common knowledge that much of this work is at risk; this study finds that most collections are not properly housed in archival vaults or climactic controlled storage areas, nor are they under appropriate intellectual control such as would allow for the implementation of adequate preservation plans. Increased attention to best practice guidelines, by all parties, will help build and maintain healthier collections.