Planning for Digital Preservation

Abstract

This presentation will focus on the process Miami University Libraries used when researching and selecting digital preservation solutions. Digital Preservation can be an overwhelming undertaking for any institution. The relative newness of the field coupled with the complex issues specific to digital preservation presents quite a challenge for any institution looking to create a digital preservation program. Factors involved in the decision included budget, desired program characteristics, frequently shifting priorities, existing workflow and infrastructure, and existing contracts and relationships. The presentation will also cover challenges such as institutional inertia, resistance to change, reluctance to adopt new workflows, and differing priorities amongst stakeholders. This presentation will discuss the background of digital preservation and why it’s important, followed by the challenges many institutions have putting a digital preservation program into place. We will then cover some technical background information and discuss the process we used to evaluate and decide on digital preservation solutions for our institution. We will also describe how we navigated additional roadblocks on our way towards implementing a solution. At the end of the presentation there will be time for audience questions and discussion.