The Theory And Craft Of Digital Preservation
Digital preservation is the practice of protecting digital information from being lost, damaged, or becoming obsolete. This process ensures that digital information can be accessed and used over time, despite changes in technology and the environment.
Why is Digital Preservation Important?
Digital preservation is important because digital information is vulnerable to loss or damage. Digital information can become obsolete because of changes in technology or because it is no longer supported by software or hardware. This can result in the loss of valuable information, including historical records, scientific data, and cultural artifacts.
Digital preservation is also important because it ensures that digital information can be accessed and used by future generations. Digital information is an important part of our cultural heritage, and preserving it ensures that it can be studied and analyzed by scholars and researchers.
The Challenges of Digital Preservation
There are many challenges associated with digital preservation. One of the biggest challenges is the rapid pace of technological change. New technologies are constantly being developed, and old technologies are quickly becoming obsolete. This can make it difficult to ensure that digital information can be accessed and used over time.
Another challenge is the sheer volume of digital information that needs to be preserved. Digital information is being created at an unprecedented rate, and preserving all of this information is a monumental task.
The Principles of Digital Preservation
There are several principles that guide digital preservation. These principles include:
- Preserve digital information in its original format as much as possible
- Use standard and open formats to ensure long-term access
- Create multiple copies of digital information and store them in different locations
- Implement security measures to protect digital information from unauthorized access or modification
- Establish clear policies and procedures for digital preservation
The Craft of Digital Preservation
The craft of digital preservation involves a range of activities, including:
- Selection: Choosing which digital information to preserve
- Ingest: Taking in digital information and preparing it for preservation
- Storage: Storing digital information in a secure and accessible manner
- Preservation: Maintaining the integrity and authenticity of digital information over time
- Access: Ensuring that digital information can be accessed and used over time
The Future of Digital Preservation
The future of digital preservation is uncertain, but it is clear that digital preservation will continue to be a critical issue in the years to come. As technology continues to evolve, new challenges and opportunities for digital preservation will arise.
One area of particular concern is the preservation of born-digital information, such as social media posts and other online content. This information is often ephemeral and difficult to preserve, but it is an important part of our cultural heritage.
Conclusion
Digital preservation is a critical issue that affects us all. By preserving digital information, we can ensure that our cultural heritage is protected and that future generations have access to the information they need to understand and interpret our world.
