Digitization - Is It a Viable Preservation Alternative

Hristova, Rumyana Y.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/44873 Copy

Description

Title

Digitization - Is It a Viable Preservation Alternative

Author(s)

Hristova, Rumyana Y.

Issue Date

2012-05

Keyword(s)

• digitization
• preservation
• collaboration
• innovation
• permanence
• continuing value

Abstract

The 1990s have been defined as the decade of digitization, which has been hailed by its proponents as a true cause for celebration. Yet, other voices have warned of the very real ”threat,” which digitization, and more specifically the problem of digital preservation, entails – widespread information ”wipe-out” and thus losing much of our collective memory. The question then arises—why is there such a wide divergence of opinions? In an attempt to answer this question, the present paper will consider some of the main advantages of the new digital technologies such as providing unique access to information, its network distribution, and the high quality of digital resources, as well as the challenges these technologies pose: the provenance and authenticity of digital surrogates, obsolescence of hardware and software, proprietary forms, lack of standards. What is even more alarming than the technical impediments in the digital world is the lack of long-term thinking that supports preservation and the conceptual shift of emphasis from “permanent value”— to “continuing value” of our records, that is, recognizing the possibility for some records to lose their value over time. Thus, the very idea of permanence—traditionally associated with preservation—is fundamentally challenged. The institutions which preserve our collective memory (libraries, archives, museums) can play a vital role in addressing these issues—primarily in forming alliances and partnerships across borders. Aided by the transformative power of the digital environment, these institutions could stimulate unparalleled collaboration in respect of serving users and working together for the public good.

Publisher

Bock+Herchen Verlag

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/44873

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