(DOWNLOAD) "Dealing with Digital Collections: Interviews with the National Library and Selected State Libraries of Australia (Report) (Survey)" by Australian Academic & Research Libraries " eBook PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: Dealing with Digital Collections: Interviews with the National Library and Selected State Libraries of Australia (Report) (Survey)
- Author : Australian Academic & Research Libraries
- Release Date : January 01, 2007
- Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines,Books,Professional & Technical,Education,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 231 KB
Description
In a wide-ranging report recently prepared for the Digital Preservation Coalition in the United Kingdom, organisations across all sectors were surveyed regarding their approach to preservation of their digitally created material I With a response rate of only 104 out of over 900 surveys distributed, it is difficult to see the results as other than indicative of the situation; they cannot be seen as providing strong support for the findings across the broad spectrum. The results are interesting, however, and do raise concerns about the reported low levels of commitment to digital preservation policies and practices. Thus, while 87% of those surveyed felt that a failure to implement effective digital preservation programs would result in a loss of corporate memory, and 60% believed it could leave them open to financial loss, less than 20% of respondents had any formed policies in place. (2) Throughout this report, the gap between an awareness of the importance of digital information and the lack of clear programs and procedures for its longer-term preservation is apparent. Over one third of respondents noted they hold information in formats they could no longer access, with another 30% not sure whether information was accessible or not. (3) The report concluded with a number of recommendations that highlighted the need for action at all levels: from government policy and legislative changes, through funding commitments, research and cooperative ventures, to the establishment of a recognised discipline of digital preservation and increased training for individuals and organisations. (4) The survey sought to elicit information about digital records that commercial enterprises were creating as part of their day-to-day business activities. It did not target those institutions that have traditionally focused on the acquisition and preservation of records and cultural heritage created by others, such as archives, libraries and museums. It was nevertheless informed by a survey undertaken in the previous year that did focus on those memory institutions who reported similar concerns for the material they held or acquired.