Archiving / Preserving Digital Information

Abstract

Preservation of digital material has become a major challenge for library and information professionals these days. Although libraries have been concerned with preserving cultural and intellectual heritage for centuries, it is only in recent years that preservation and conservation have become activities in their own right. Preservation of digital material is more complex because of the dependencies that exist between the information object itself and its technical environment- an environment that is generally created using rapidly obsolete and, therefore, fragile technology. This dependence can be at both the software and the hardware levels. In this sense, digital media present more complex problems than any other media libraries have ever had to face. The present article explores various strategies and methodologies for preserving digital materials and also focuses on the pressing need for libraries to develop strategies and practical action plans to maintain the safety and accessibility of the world’s historical and cultural heritage.