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Published by Cornell University Library
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Last complete revision on April 2005.
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Title:
Digital Preservation Management: Implementing Short-term Strategies for Long-term Problems
Review:
Humans have always had a knack for creating information, and in recent decades the amount has skyrocketed. The answer to making sure our data doesn't disappear is to preserve it digitally. The Cornell University Library defines digital preservation as 'a broad range of activities designed to extend the usable life of machine-readable computer files and protect them from media failure, physical loss and obsolescence'.
Although we have been creating digital materials for several decades, our experience with digital preservation is relatively recent and many institutions are not familiar with the concepts. That's why the Cornell University Library has created the award-winning 'Digital Preservation Management: Implementing Short-term Strategies for Long- term Problems' http://www.library.cornell.edu/iris/tutorial/dpm/eng_index.html, which strives to introduce people to the key components needed to establish a viable digital-preservation program.
Available in French and English, this tutorial was originally created in 2003 to complement a workshop offered by Cornell, but stands well on its own. It can be used as a true online tutorial or downloaded as a PDF book. The 123-page PDF book, as acknowledged by Cornell, may not be as complete or interactive as the online version.
I spent time with the online and PDF versions, which were both updated in 2005. Each has its benefits and drawbacks. The advantages of the online version are the interactive portions of the tutorial (e.g., the quizzes, timeline and the Chamber of Horrors), as well as the ability to follow all of the embedded links. However, the portability of the PDF file is also beneficial. One can read it off-line and carry it as a reference.
The tutorial does an excellent job of introducing and explaining the key concepts used when discussing digital preservation. In fact, Section Two is dedicated to reviewing the 'Terms & Concepts' that one needs to know. That section sets the stage for the remaining four sections.
Section Four -- 'Foundations' -- is the heart of the tutorial. It introduces and examines two foundation documents, including 'Trusted Digital Repositories: Attributes and Responsibilities' and 'Reference Model for an Open Archival Information System (OAIS)', as well as Preservation Metadata. These foundations are used worldwide by digital-preservation programs and are seen as ensuring a programme's sustainability, reliability and repeatability.
Overall, the material presented in the tutorial is excellent. It provides the basic concepts and terminology that anyone will need to know when thinking about launching a digital-preservation project. The embedded links and extensive resource list provide access to additional information and examples that support the concepts presented. The exercises throughout reinforce the presented information, while the graphics and sidebars help to hold the reader's interest.
I recommend this tutorial to anyone who is beginning to think about digital preservation, either in-house or through a trusted repository. Since the concepts that surround digital preservation are not well- known, it is especially useful to review before attending a workshop. This will give attendees base knowledge on which to build during an in-person session.
Information will continue to proliferate, and as it does, digital preservation will be there to archive it. This top-notch tutorial is ideal for keeping up with the trends.
Free Pint Reviewer:
Jill Hurst-Wahl of Hurst Associates, Ltd. http://www.HurstAssociates.com/ is a consultant who provides digitisation workshops, develops digitisation plans, and works with organisations to implement digitisation programmes including evaluating software, hardware and vendors for specific digitisation efforts. Since 1989, she has worked on corporate digitisation programmes as well as projects for Consortia. In addition to her consulting work, Jill is a frequent speaker and author. Her blog, Digitization 101 http://www.Digitization101.com/, is widely read by those interested in creating, managing, marketing and preserving digital assets.
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