Publication on definition of digital preservation

The Preservation and Reformatting Section (PARS) of the Association
for Library Collections and Technical Services (ALCTS) is pleased to
announce the publication of a definition of digital preservation.
The definition is available on the ALCTS Web site at
<URL:http://www.ala.org/ala/alcts/newslinks/digipres/index.cfm>

The definition was developed to promote an understanding of digital
preservation within the library community, as well as our allied
professions and the user communities we exist to serve. This
definition is presented to mark our current understanding of digital
preservation and encourage further development of these ideas.

This definition grew out of a conversation held at the Digital
Preservation Discussion Group at the ALA Midwinter Meeting in 2007.
An ad hoc task force crafted language that was shared with a number
of constituencies during the spring and early summer of 2007.  The
definition was discussed and approved by the PARS Executive
Committee during the 2008 Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia.  The
ALCTS Board of Directors approved it during Midwinter, and the
definition was presented to and accepted by Council as an
informational document.  The definition is being incorporated into
the forthcoming revision of the current ALA Preservation Policy
currently being undertaken by PARS.

The working group studied a number of resources to familiarize
itself with the critical elements of digital preservation identified
by a broad selection of individuals and agencies. These ideas were
cast into language that speaks to a wide variety of stakeholders
while also being consistent with the core preservation concepts that
have developed in the library and archival communities.

The core concepts are presented in a short, medium and long version
to accommodate a variety of needs. The long version includes a
number of currently accepted best practices but is not intended to
be an exhaustive list. As more is learned about implementing digital
preservation programs, the definitions should be reviewed and
revised on a regular basis.

The definition will be reviewed and updated as needed.

ALCTS is a division of the American Library Association.

Cathleen L. Martyniak
Preservation Department
University of Florida Smathers Libraries
Gainesville, FL 32611
352-273-2830
Fax: 352-392-6597


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 21:56
                  Distributed: Friday, April 18, 2008
                       Message Id: cdl-21-56-011
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