This document summarizes current methods for preserving digital collections and ongoing research in the field. It discusses the growth of electronic records and need for digital preservation. A strategic policy framework is presented that is based on the lifecycle of digital resources, from creation to use. Case studies are described from various institutions implementing digital preservation. The document advocates for proactive programs, collaboration, and new technical approaches like migration and emulation. It also addresses legal issues and provides information on where to find further resources.

1. The Arts and Humanities
Data Service
Preserving Digital
Collections:current methods and
research
Neil Beagrie
Funded by the Joint Information Systems
Committee

2. Overview
growth of electronic records
A Strategic Policy Framework for Creating
and Preserving Digital Collections
Neil Beagrie and Daniel Greenstein
pro-active programmes
collaboration
new approaches
legal issues
what you can do
further information

3. Growth of Electronic Records
Computer Disk Storage
after Michael Lesk
http://www.gii.getty.edu/timeandbits/ksg.html
In the USA it is estimated that 75% of federal government
transactions will be electronic by 2000 AD
1.5 kilometers of paper records transferred to PRO each
year:estimated 95% originate from electronic source

4. Awareness & Preparation
Digital Preservation Needs and Requirements in RLG Member
Institutions M.Hedstrom and S. Montgomery Dec 1998
http://www.rlg.org/preserv/digpres.html

5. Preparation 2

6. The Study
One of seven digital preservation studies
http://www.ukoln.ac.uk/services/elib/papers/supporting/
life-cycle(“continuum”) of a digital resource and
preservation
policy framework
Desk-top survey and 15 interviews with archives,
libraries and museums
5 Case studies, best practice guidelines,
resources and other studies

7. The Framework
Framework based on the life-cycle of a resource
» creation (planning and implementation)
» management and preservation
» use
» legal & business environment
Documents relationship and dependencies
identifies involvement of different stakeholders
with any one resource

8. The Case Studies
Funding agencies
digitisers
data banks
institutional archives
academic archives
legal deposit/copyright libraries

9. Pro-active programmes
NERC Data Policy http://www.nerc.ac.uk/environmental-
data/#DATAPOLICY
EROS (Electronic Records In Office Systems)
http://www.pro.gov.uk/recordsmanagement/eros/
» records management guidelines
» records process:appraisal pilot projects
» long-term transfer and access strategy
AHDS/AHRB
http://ahds.ac.uk http://www.ahrb.ac.uk/
» joint C&IT Policy
» Guidance for depositors and data creators

10. Collaboration
international efforts
DLM-FORUM
http://www2.echo.lu/dlm/en/home.html
» publications & training programme
» legal implications
» information for the citizen
TASI (JISC Technical Advisory Service for Images)
» Building Image Archives (data capture and creation,
data access and delivery, data collections management)
http://www.tasi.ac.uk/

11. New approaches
digital preservation methods:
» migration
» emulation
» technology preservation
“bundling” and technical metadata

12. New approaches
BSI Digital IDT/1/4
Universal Preservation Format (UPF)
» http://info.wgbh.org/upf/
“Rosetta Stone” conceptual model
» http://www.ercim.org/publication/ws-
proceedings/DELOS6/index.html

13. Legal issues
copyright
confidentiality and data protection
licensing and contract law
public records legislation
Preserving the U.S. Government's White House Electronic Mail:
Archival Challenges and Policy Implications David Wallace
http://www.ercim.org/publication/ws-
proceedings/DELOS6/index.html

14. What you can do
Increase awareness
Into the Future: On the Preservation of Knowledge in the Electronic
Age http://www.clir.org/programs/otheractiv/intro.html
develop collections policy
pro-active programmes - early involvement
collaborate
continuous professional development

15. Where to get more information
A Strategic Policy Framework for Creating and Preserving
Digital Collections
Neil Beagrie and Daniel Greenstein
website- <http://ahds.ac.uk/manage/framework.htm>
published by JISC as Elib Supporting Study No. P3 by
Library Information Technology Centre, South Bank University,
London 1998, ISBN 1 900508 47 8, 78 pages £20
also as BLRIC Report No 107 on demand photocopy or
microfilm
email list - AHDS-ALL (send email message: join ahds-
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