State of Digital Archival Repository System : A Critical Appraisal

Abstract

Archives are repositories of public records that give emphasis on long term preservation, access and use of information contained in essential records of national importance. With the changing scenario of information and communication technologies, the concept of digital method of preservation has been accepted by archives, libraries and museums. Digital archiving system is an attempt to develop an environment in which information in digital form are collected, preserved/stored and managed as an institutional assets. Latest technological developments have facilitated to preserve the archival documents in electronic form for posterity. Digital archival system can also provide services such as acquisition, organization and dissemination of archival records for research, training and administrative uses. The concept of intellectual property rights and security issues are more seen in the electronic era where digital archiving is being practiced. The paper has discussed the above facets in detail with the problems and effective measures of digital archiving.