Preserving Digital Information

Preserving Digital Information

Archives

Preservation of digital data requires anticipation of potential threats to the integrity and authenticity of the items. Although future environmental and intelligence threats may be impossible to predict and thus, prepare for, Henry M. Gladney describes viable solutions for the long-term preservation of digital collections. Beginning with a clear mission, founded in both archival standards and a high level of technical expertise, Gladney outlines methods and procedures for producing ample copies, migration to newer forms of technology, facilitating search and retrieval functions, and preventing data rot and corruption. Throughout the text, he reiterates the importance of deeply understanding the unique structure and operations of digital objects (whether born digital or the digitization of analog material) and suggests greater focus be placed on the representation and sustainability of these objects as opposed to debating the structure and operations of a repository. To assure interoperability between institutions and future technologies Gladney proposes the “Trustworthy Digital Object" method. In addition to providing technical solutions, Gladney also engages philosophical arguments on what it means for an object to be authentic, accessible, and valuable.

Gladney, Henry M.

Springer

2007

Polk, Victoria

Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

E-Book

ISBN 978-3-540-37887-7

Gladney, Henry M. Preserving Digital Information. Berlin; New York: Springer, 2007.