Library of Wales explains that yesterday was the first International Digital Preservation Day . The aim of the day (30 November 2017) is to create greater awareness of digital preservation and the issues associated with preserving and providing access to digital material.
There are particular challenges associated with the preservation of digital material, notably the fast pace of software and hardware developments, the increasing complexity of digital resources and the resulting impact on the stability of such media. If digital material is to remain accessible, both in the short-term for business continuity, research, economic and legal requirements and for preserving the historic record in the longer-term, measures have to be taken to ensure that this information is accessible. The International Digital Preservation Day (#IDPD17)has been co-ordinated by the Digital Preservation Coalition. The National library of Wales is a long-term member of the DPC, the aim of which is to support its members to make digital information available in the future. It has published a ‘Bit List’ of the World’s Endangered Digital Species which has been unveiled today as part of this campaign to raise awareness of the need to preserve digital materials.
The Library has also developed a technical infrastructure for ARCW partners which enables the transfer of the digital information, together with its metadata, to a system which ensures its integrity over time, whilst providing access through the partners’ own systems.
By working together in Wales and throughout the world, we can ensure that digital information is available to support decision making, to evidence transparent, responsive and accountable activity and to preserve our cultural heritage.
Sally McInnes – Head of Unique Collections and Collections Care, NLW and Chair of the Archives and Records Council Wales Group on Digital Preservation.
For more information please visit: www.library.wales
