Policies, Strategies & Guidelines
Resources which provide useful general statements about
either ideas or practical approaches to digital preservation have been
included in this area. Your contributions to this database are
encouraged. Please send us details
about your own organisation's policies or any others which you would
like us to include.
| International |
Asia (South East) and the Pacific |
United States/Canada |
Eastern Europe and CIS |
Western Europe, Africa and the Middle East |
- Advice & Guidance on Digital Preservation
Brown, Adrian; National Archives (UK)
- This series of concise guidance notes is intended to support the activities of anyone involved in creating content that may require long-term preservation. Guidelines are available on topics such as file format selection, graphics file formats and image compression.
- http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/preservation/advice/digital.htm
- Advice - Creating Digital Images
TASI
(Regularly Updated)
- The site provides introductory and comprehensive information on a wide variety of topics surrounding the creation of digital images. Topics include file formats, compression, how to choose a file format, digital cameras, how to digitise slides, image editing software, quality assurance, colour management, and scanners. There are also tools to help calculate storage requirements and guidance on how to produce files that will be suitable for particular types of publication (e.g. web, print publication, desktop printing).
- http://www.tasi.ac.uk/advice/creating/creating.html
-
AES Recommended Practice for Audio Preservation and Restoration : Storage and Handling - Storage of Polyester Based Magnetic Tape AES22-1997 (r2003)
Audio Engineering Society (AES)
(Date Created: 1997)
- This standard provides recommendations concerning the storage conditions, storage facilities, enclosures, and inspection for recorded polyester-base magnetic tapes in roll form. It covers analog and digital tape and includes tape made for audio, video, instrumentation, and computer use.
- http://www.aes.org/publications/standards/
- AES standard - AES 22-1997 (r2003)
- AES Standard for Audio Preservation and Restoration : Method for Estimating Life Expectancy of Magneto-Optical (MO) Discs Based on Effects of Temperature and Relative Humidity
Audio Engineering Society
(Date Created: 2000)
- This standard specifies test methods for estimating the life expectancy of information stored on magneto-optical (M-O) disks. Only the effects of temperature and relative humidity on the media are considered.
- http://www.aes.org/publications/standards/
- AES standard AES35-2000
-

Architectural Principles of Uniform Resource Name Resolution (RFC 2276)
Sollins, Karen
(Date Created: Jan 1998)
- Describes the engineering criteria for a Resolver Discovery Service, a service that assists in resolution of a Uniform Resource Name (URN) by locating an appropriate resolver service. The document covers underlying assumptions, the guidelines for a viable Resolver Discovery Service, including evolvability, usability, security and privacy, and a framework for designing RDSs.
- http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2276.txt
-

Audiovisual Archiving : Philosophy and Principles
Edmondson, Ray
(Date Created: Apr 2004)
- This document provides a broad introduction to the basic concepts and issues in audiovisual archives and archiving, and includes an overview of the technical and management issues in preserving audiovisual material.
- http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0013/001364/136477e.pdf
- 2nd edition
-
Audit Checklist for the Certification of Trusted Digital Repositories : Draft for Public Comment
Research Libraries Group
(Date Created: 31 Aug 2005)
- This draft paper was compiled by the RLG-NARA Task Force on Digital Repository Certification. The paper identifies the audit and certification criteria repositories must meet in order to reliably store, migrate and provide access to digital collections. The criteria include organisational aspects, such as sustainability; repository functions and processes such as ingest, storage and management; usability, such as descriptive metadata; and technologies and technical infrastructure. The audit instrument is also included in the document.
- http://web.archive.org/web/20070101054320/http://www.rlg.org/en/pdfs/r
lgnara-repositorieschecklist.pdf
-

Benchmark for Faithful Digital Reproductions of Monographs and Serials
Digital Library Federation (DLF)
(Last Updated: 21 Feb 2002)
- This document defines a set of minimum characteristics for digital master page images for digitally reformatted monographs and serials, with a view to their quality, long-term access and interoperability across system environments.
- http://www.diglib.org/standards/bmarkfin.htm
-

Contracting Out for Digital Preservation Services : Information Leaflet and Checklist
Simpson, Duncan
(Date Created: Oct 2004)
- Intended to complement the Digital Preservation Coalition's Directory of Digital Preservation Repositories and Services in the UK, this guidance leaflet is designed for smaller organisations who lack the infrastructure to enable digital preservation to be undertaken in-house. The guidance leaflet is intended to provide a source of practical guidance and a checklist of issues to consider before drawing up a service contract.
- http://www.dpconline.org/docs/guides/outsourcing.pdf
- Copyright Law In Australia : A Short Guide
Australia. Attorney-General's Dept.
(Date Created: Jun 2005)
(Australia)
- This guide seeks to provide plain-English answers to frequently asked copyright questions. The content is targeted toward non-specialist readers. Questions include 'What is copyright?', 'What does copyright protect?', 'When is copyright infringed?', and 'How can copyright rights be enforced?'. It also provides links to other organisations dealing with copyright in Australia such as the Australian Copyright Council and IP Australia.
- http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/37952/20070206-0000/www.ag.gov.au/www/ag
d/agd.nsf/Page/Publications_CopyrightlawinAustralia-Ashortguide-June20 05.html
- Cost Orientation Tool
ERPANET
(Date Created: Sep 2003)
- Information regarding the costs involved with digital preservation are generally lacking. This instrument assists organisations in identifying potential costs and provides a useful table of factors, cost impact and considerations. A bibliography is also featured.
- http://www.erpanet.org/guidance/docs/ERPANETCostingTool.pdf
-
Creating and Using Virtual Reality : a Guide for the Arts and Humanities
Fernie, Kate (editor); Richards, Julian D. (editor)
(Date Created: 2002)
- This AHDS guide to good practice includes sections on archiving virtual reality projects and resources discovery. It includes information on metadata, formats, access and documentation of Virtual Reality projects. The Guide concentrates on accessible desk-top virtual reality which may be distributed and viewed on-line via the World Wide Web. It is concerned with the variety of virtual reality models that may be produced and how to ensure that these can be delivered successfully to users and preserved for future reuse.
- http://vads.ahds.ac.uk/guides/vr_guide/
- Dance Videotapes at Risk
Dance Heritage Coalition
- Videotape is extensively used by the dance community to document performances. This detailed article discusses the risks to videotape by physical deterioration and obsolescence. It also contains recommendations for improving storage conditions, safe handling and playback and copying and reformatting.
- http://www.danceheritage.org/publications/dance_video_risks.html
- Also available in .pdf.
- Data Model for Managing and Preserving Geospatial Electronic Records : Version 1
Center for International Earth Science Information Network
(Date Created: Jun 2005)
- This data model is part of the Managing and Preserving Geospatial Records project which was conducted by CIESIN (Center for International Earth Science Information Network). The data model includes a descriptive document regarding the tables and fields for storing metadata to aid in the management and preservation of geospatial objects; an E-R (Entity-Relationship) diagram; a data dictionary and crosswalks to current standards and requirements.
- http://www.ciesin.columbia.edu/ger/DataModelV1_20050620.pdf
- Developing Linguistic Corpora : a Guide to Good Practice
Arts and Humanities Data Service
In: AHDS Guides to Good Practice
- The purpose of this AHDS guide to good practice is to provide an introductory guide to creating a corpus of language data in electronic form for the purpose of linguistic research. It includes a chapter on archiving, distribution and preservation of linguistic corpora.
- http://ahds.ac.uk/creating/guides/linguistic-corpora/index.htm
-
DIG35 Specification on Metadata for Digital Images
Digital Imaging Group
(Date Created: Mar 2000)
- 'This specification defines a set of public metadata for digital still images, either as a single image or a collection of images, that could be supported and exchanged by current and future devices, software, and services in an open environment. In addition to the metadata definition, a recommendation for implementation is defined to enable exchange of such metadata.' Hardcopies of Ver. 1. and Ver. 1.1 can be ordered from International Imaging Industry Association (I3A).
- http://www.i3a.org/resources/dig35/
- Ver. 1.0 Sept 2000 can be downloaded in PDF from this web site. (http://www.bgbm.fu-berlin.de/TDWG/acc/Documents/DIG35-v1.0-Sept00.pdf)
-

Digital Archives from Excavation and Fieldwork : Guide to Good Practice : 2nd Edition
Arts and Humanities Data Service
In: AHDS Guides to Good Practice
(Date Created: 2000)
- This guide discusses best practice in the creation, management, preservation and re-use of digital records produced during the various phases of archaeological projects.
- ISSN: 1463-5194
- http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/project/goodguides/excavation/
- Digital Lifecycles And File Types : Final Report
Bates, Melanie; Loddington, Steve; Manuel, Sue; Oppenheim, Charles
(Date Created: May 2006)
- As part of the JISC funded Rights And Rewards In Blended Institutional Repositories Project, this report provides an overview of characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of various types of image and text file formats. It also includes information about managing the lifecycle of a digital item as well as standards and specifications concerning metadata (e.g. Dublin Core and METS). It discusses issues to consider when packaging content (e.g. for loading into a learning management system) and provides an overview of various content packaging tools. It concludes with an
introduction to reference models and frameworks used to describe processes managed by repositories and the systems in which they operate.
- http://hdl.handle.net/2134/1793
- Digital Preservation : Good Practice Guide
Johnston, Pete
(Date Created: Dec 2004)
- This good practice guide provides advice on standards and best practices on digital preservation to organisations involved in the development of cultural heritage Web resources and services. The information is of a general nature and covers technical strategies such as emulation and migration, preservation metadata, and procedures for preparing data for storage and preservation.
- http://www.ukoln.ac.uk/interop-focus/gpg/Preservation/
-
Digital Preservation Policy Tool
ERPANET
(Date Created: Sep 2003)
- This document provides guidance on what should be covered in a digital preservation policy. It outlines the purpose of such a policy as well as the importance of stating responsibilites, monitoring and reviewing and coverage. Also included is a bibliography which provides links to practical examples of digital preservation policies.
- http://www.erpanet.org/guidance/docs/ERPANETPolicyTool.pdf
-

From Digital Volatility to Digital Permanence : Preserving Email
Testbed Digitale Bewaring
(Date Created: Apr 2003)
- The Testbed Digitale Bewaring has released its final recommendations on the long term preservation of email. The publication covers cultural, legal, technical and practical issues. It also has sections targeted towards specific groups such as managers, record keepers and end users. There is a comparison of migration, emulation and XML as migration strategies, and the appendices include an XML schema for archiving Outlook emails. (some text in the schema is in Dutch)
- ISBN: 9080775819
- http://www.digitaleduurzaamheid.nl/bibliotheek/docs/volatility-permane
nce-email-en.pdf
- Document management : Electronic document file format for long-term preservation : Part 1: Use of PDF 1.4 (PDF/A-1)
International Organization for Standardization
(Date Created: Oct 2005)
- The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) has released the ISO 19005-1:2005 standard which specifies how to use the Portable Document Format (PDF) 1.4 for long-term preservation of electronic documents. The Press release gives more detail on this important development.
- http://www.iso.org/iso/en/commcentre/CatalogueDetailPage.CatalogueDeta
il?CSNUMBER=38920&ICS1=37&ICS2=100&ICS3=99&scopelist=
- Available for purchase in pdf and paper formats.
- Draft DCC Approach to Digital Curation
Digital Curation Centre
(Regularly Updated)
- This extensive document is a draft and is being continually updated. It features a detailed definition and discussion of the concept of digital curation, particularly as it is applied by the Digital Curation Centre (DCC). Also discussed is the OAIS Reference Model as the basis of Centre's digital curation approach. The document also identifies key services that the DCC can research, develop and supply to facilitate digital curation, including the creation of a Registry/Repository of Representation Information, including information about formats, software and standards.
- http://twiki.dcc.rl.ac.uk/bin/view/Main/DCCApproachToCuration
- ERPANET Bibliography on Digital Preservation Policies
ERPANET (Electronic Resource Preservation and Access Network)
(Date Created: 20 Jan 2003)
- A small but authoritative bibliography which contains links to the digital preservation policies of selected Universities, National Libraries, National Archives and other institutions. There are also links to guides to developing digital preservation policies.
- http://www.erpanet.org/assessments/ERPANETbibliography_Policies.pdf
-
Framework of Guidance for Building Good Digital Collections
IMLS Forum
(Date Created: Dec 2001)
- This report, by members of the IMLS Forum, offers a framework for the development of good digital collections, based on sets of principles for 4 entities: collections, objects, metadata and projects. Principles include a strong collection development policy base, interoperability, sustainability of both collections and the objects themselves, use of persistent identifiers, appropriate metadata and respect for intellectual property rights. A typology of object formats is also presented. The 2nd edition was published in 2004 and the 3rd ed. in Dec 2007.
- http://web.archive.org/web/20041230095142/http://www.imls.gov/pubs/for
umframework.htm
-

Functional Recommendations for Internet Resource Locators (RFC 1736)
Kunze, John A
(Date Created: Feb 1995)
- "This document specifies a minimum set of requirements for Internet resource locators, which convey location and access information for resources." Memo to the Internet Community February 1995.
- http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc1736.txt
-

Functional Requirements for Uniform Resource Names (RFC 1737)
Masinter, Larry; Sollins, Karen
(Date Created: Dec 1994)
- Describes requirements for Uniform Resource Names (URN), examining required functional capabilities and encoding considerations and their implications. There is also some discussion of item equality, naming, resolution and security.
- http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc1737.txt
- Guidelines for the Preservation of Digital Heritage
National Library of Australia; Colin Webb
(Date Created: 31 Mar 2003)
- These Guidelines form a part of a UNESCO campaign to improve access to digital heritage for all the world’s peoples, and to ensure that the means of preserving their digital heritage are in the hands of every community.
The Guidelines have been prepared to offer realistic and useful guidance for those responsible for preserving digital heritage, including those having only very limited resources.
The UNESCO Draft Charter on the Preservation of the Digital Heritage (Document 166 EX/18) presents a compelling case for digital preservation. The Guidelines are intended as a companion sourcebook to the Draft Charter. A clear link exists between the two documents, the Draft Charter presenting those advocacy and public policy issues that are outside the scope of technical and practical guidelines.
- http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0013/001300/130071e.pdf
- Guidelines on the Production and Preservation of Digital Audio Objects
International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives (IASA)
(Date Created: Aug 2004)
- These guidelines discuss key principles and standards, metadata, signal extraction from originals and target formats in the production and preservation of digital audio objects. It includes information on the reproduction of optical disk media such as CD and DVD and digital magnetic carriers. Target formats and systems include Digital Mass Storage Systems (DMSS), optical disks and magneto-optical (MO) disks.
- ISBN: 8799030918
- http://www.iasa-web.org/special_publications.asp
- Publication number - TC04. Order from http://www.iasa-web.org/iasa0022.htm. Currently only available in hardcopy.
-
HARMONICA : Practical Guidelines for the Future Development of Music Services in Libraries and Archives (Deliverable 3.6.4)
Deutsch, Werner A.; Herla, Siegbert; Kriechbaum, Werner
(Date Created: 31 Jan 2000)
- An initiative of the European Commission, the HARMONICA Project was established to advance understanding of the collection, storage and organisation of music and music information in digital formats. This paper documents phase D3.6.4 of the Project and provides links to existing guidelines for the development of digital music repositories. Topics such as storage media for data acquistion, digital preservation and ingestion are surveyed. The project ran or 3 years between 1997 and 2000.
- http://projects.fnb.nl/harmonica/Harmonica%20Deliverables/deliverables
.htm
- Ingest Technologies
ERPANET
(Date Created: Sep 2004)
- This ERPANET (Electronic Resource Preservation and Access Network) guidance tool is a brief introduction to ingest and its role in the development of a digital repository system. The appendix contains a companion guide and checklist when defining and/or selecting an ingest strategy, presenting a survey of the factors required for consideration.
- http://www.erpanet.org/guidance/docs/ERPANETIngestTool.pdf
- ERPA guidance note
- Introduction To Imaging : Selecting Scanners
Besser, Howard
- This section of the Getty guide provides a concise illustrated overview of different types of scanners. It includes an introduction to the technology, equipment features and guidance on how to approach choosing a scanner.
- http://www.getty.edu/research/conducting_research/standards/introimage
s/scanners.html
- Investment in an Intangible Asset
Hunter, Laurie
In: DCC Digital Curation Manual
(Date Created: Jul 2006)
- This instalment of the Digital Curation Manual provides strategies in presenting effective arguments for funding bodies on the merits of ditial preservation and digital curation. Risks associated with loss of data are identified and the
benefits associated with preserving access to data are also discussed. Models for long-term maintenance and sustainability and collaborative approaches to developing models are detailed.
- http://www.dcc.ac.uk/resource/curation-manual/chapters/intangible-asse
t/
- Available in pdf or html
-
ISBD(ER): International Standard Bibliographic Description for Electronic Resources
IFLA Universal Bibliographic Control and International MARC Programme
(Last Updated: 02 Jul 1999)
- The ISBD(ER) specifies the requirements for the description and identification of electronic resources, assigns an order to the elements of the description, and
specifies a system of punctuation for the description. Electronic resources are treated in one of two ways depending on whether access is local (physical carrier) or remote (stored in a system).
- http://www.ifla.org/VII/s13/pubs/isbd.htm
- ISO 18933:2006 : Imaging materials : Magnetic Tape : Care and Handling Practices for Extended Usage
ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
(Date Created: 13 Jun 2006)
- ISO 18933:2006 concerns the care and handling of magnetic recording tape during use. It addresses the issues of physical integrity of the medium necessary to preserve access to the data (information) recorded on the tape.
- http://www.iso.org/iso/en/CatalogueDetailPage.CatalogueDetail?CSNUMBER
=44128&scopelist=ALL
- Available for purchase in pdf or hardcopy.
- ISO Archiving Standards : Overview
NASA
(Regularly Updated)
- This site contains links and background information to the Reference Model for an Open Archival Information System (OAIS) and other archival standardization efforts.
- http://ssdoo.gsfc.nasa.gov/nost/isoas/overview.html
-
Legal Deposit of Electronic Publications
Working Group of the Conference of Directors of National Libraries (CDNL)
(Last Updated: 6 Mar 1997)
- This paper suggests guidelines for National Libraries on how to prepare proposals for the legal deposit of electronic publications and how to store and maintain such publications. Included is a summary of developments worldwide and case studies from Canada, France and the USA.
- http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0010/001055/105504e.pdf
-

NISO Data Dictionary - Technical Metadata for Digital Still Images
National Information Standards Organisation (NISO)
(Date Created: 1 Jun 2002)
- Released as a Draft for Trial Use over the period 1 June 2002 to 31 December 2003, this NISO document (NISO Z39.87-2002, AIIM 20-2002) has been produced "to facilitate the development of applications to validate, manage, migrate and otherwise process images of enduring value" and "to facilitate interoperability between systems, services and software, as well as to support the long-term management of and continuing access to digital image collections". A corresponding XML schema to assist in implementation is available at: http://www.loc.gov/standards/mix. The final standard was published in December 2006.
- http://web.archive.org/web/20070205142416/http://www.niso.org/standard
s/resources/Z39_87_trial_use.pdf
- OASIS Open Document Format for Office Applications (OpenDocument)
OASIS (Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards)
(Date Created: May 2005)
- The OASIS Open Document format is an XML-based file format specification for office applications. The OpenDocument v1.0 specification was officially approved as an OASIS standard on 1 May 2005 and can be downloaded from the Office Document Format Technical Committee web page.
- http://www.oasis-open.org/committees/tc_home.php?wg_abbrev=office
- PREMIS Requirement Statement Project Report
Clifton, Gerard; Langley, Somaya; Lee, Bronwyn
(Date Created: Jul 2006)
- This is the report of the Presta-Premis Requirement Statments Project which was conducted from December 2005 to June 2006. It was undertaken by the National Library of Australia for the Australian Partnership on Sustainable Repositories (APSR). The report specifies requirements for the collection metadata needed for long tem continuity of access to digital collections. The report includes recommendations on preservation metadata elements including mandatory elements; recommendations on tools for automatic metadata extraction; a recommended list of supported formats and a draft METS profile for exchanging preservation metadata and functional specifications and use cases for preservation events and event logging. The report concludes with a summary of 14 recommendations.
- http://www.apsr.edu.au/publications/presta.pdf
- Preservation Handbook : Digital Audio
Knight, Gareth; McHugh, John
(Date Created: 25 Jul 2005)
- This publication is part of a series of preservation handbooks published by the AHDS (Arts and Humanities Data Service). This handbook discusses the significant characteristics of digital audio files, common formats and best practice. The goal of the handbook is to instruct AHDS staff on how best to preserve digital objects, in accordance with 'a migration based preservation approach, incorporating migration to standard formats during ingest.' Although this document is written for AHDS staff, the information is useful to the broader digital preservation community.
- http://ahds.ac.uk/preservation/audio-preservation-handbook.pdf
- Also available as RTF - http://ahds.ac.uk/preservation/audio-preservation-handbook.rtf
- Preservation Handbook : Computer Aided Design
Westcott, Keith
(Date Created: 19 Jul 2005)
- This publication is part of a series of preservation handbooks published by the AHDS (Arts and Humanities Data Service). This handbook discusses the significant characteristics of CAD (Computer Aided Design), common formats and best practice. The goal of the handbook is to instruct AHDS staff on how best to preserve digital objects, in accordance with 'a migration based preservation approach, incorporating migration to standard formats during ingest.' Although this document is written for AHDS staff, the information is useful to the broader digital preservation community.
- http://ahds.ac.uk/preservation/cad-preservation-handbook.pdf
- Version 1.2. Also available in RTF format - http://ahds.ac.uk/preservation/cad-preservation-handbook.rtf
- Preservation Handbook : Digital By-Products
Knight, Gareth
(Date Created: 27 Jul 2005)
- This publication is part of a series of preservation handbooks published by the AHDS (Arts and Humanities Data Service). This handbook discusses the significant characteristics of digital by-prducts such as thumbnail and backup files, common formats and best practice. The goal of the handbook is to instruct AHDS staff on how best to preserve digital objects, in accordance with "a migration based preservation approach, incorporating migration to standard formats during ingest." Although this document is written for AHDS staff, the information is useful to the broader digital preservation community.
- http://ahds.ac.uk/preservation/digital-byproducts-preservation-handboo
k.pdf
- Also available in RTF format - http://ahds.ac.uk/preservation/digital-byproducts-preservation-handbook.rtf
- Preservation Handbook : Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
Clarke, Jo; Mitcham, Jenny
(Date Created: Jun 2005)
- This publication is part of a series of preservation handbooks published by the AHDA (Arts and Humanities Data Service). This handbook covers the significant characteristics of GIS files, common formats and best practice. The goal of the handbook is to instruct AHDS staff on how best to preserve digital objects in accordance with "a migration based preservation approach, incorporating migration to standard formats during ingest". Although this document is written for AHDS staff, the information is useful to the broader digital preservation community.
- http://ahds.ac.uk/preservation/gis-preservation-handbook.pdf
- Version 0.5. Also available as RTF - http://ahds.ac.uk/preservation/gis-preservation-handbook.rtf
- Preservation Handbook : Geophysics
Westcott, Keith
(Date Created: 17 Mar 2005)
- This publication is part of a series of preservation handbooks published by the AHDS (Arts and Humanities Data Service). This handbook discusses the significant characteristics of geophysics data files, common formats and best practice. The goal of the handbook is to instruct AHDS staff on how best to preserve digital objects, in accordance with "a migration based preservation approach, incorporating migration to standard formats during ingest." Although this document is written for AHDS staff, the information is useful to the broader digital preservation community.
- http://ahds.ac.uk/preservation/geophysics-preservation-handbook.pdf
- Version 1.1. Also available in RTF - http://ahds.ac.uk/preservation/geophysics-preservation-handbook.rtf
- Preservation Handbook : Moving Image
Knight, Gareth; McHugh, John
(Date Created: 27 Jul 2005)
- This publication is part of a series of preservation handbooks published by the AHDS (Arts and Humanities Data Service). This handbook discusses the significant characteristics of digital moving image files, common formats and best practice. The goal of the handbook is to instruct AHDS staff on how best to preserve digital objects, in accordance with "a migration based preservation approach, incorporating migration to standard formats during ingest." Although this document is written for AHDS staff, the information is useful to the broader digital preservation community.
- http://ahds.ac.uk/preservation/video-preservation-handbook.pdf
- Version 1. Also available in RTF - http://ahds.ac.uk/preservation/video-preservation-handbook.rtf
- Preservation Handbook : Spreadsheets
Arts and Humanities Data Service
(Date Created: 15 Jul 2005)
- This publication is part of a series of preservation handbooks published by the AHDS (Arts and Humanities Data Service). This handbook discusses the significant characteristics of spreadsheets, common formats and best practice. The goal of the handbook is to instruct AHDS staff on how best to preserve digital objects, in accordance with "a migration based preservation approach, incorporating migration to standard formats during ingest." Although this document is written for AHDS staff, the information is useful to the broader digital preservation community.
- http://ahds.ac.uk/preservation/spreadsheets-preservation-handbook.pdf
- Version 0.5. Also available as RTF - http://ahds.ac.uk/preservation/spreadsheets-preservation-handbook.rtf
- Preservation Handbook : Statistical Data
Arts and Humanities Data Service
(Date Created: 15 Jul 2005)
- This publication is part of a series of preservation handbooks published by the AHDS (Arts and Humanities Data Service). This handbook discusses the significant characteristics of statistical data, common formats and best practice. The goal of the handbook is to instruct AHDS staff on how best to preserve digital objects, in accordance with "a migration based preservation approach, incorporating migration to standard formats during ingest." Although this document is written for AHDS staff, the information is useful to the broader digital preservation community.
- http://ahds.ac.uk/preservation/statistics-preservation-handbook.pdf
- Version 3. Also available in RTF - http://ahds.ac.uk/preservation/statistics-preservation-handbook.rtf
- Preservation Handbook : Vector Graphics
Westcott, Keith
(Date Created: 23 Aug 2005)
- This publication is part of a series of preservation handbooks published by the AHDS (Arts and Humanities Data Service). This handbook discusses the significant characteristics of vector graphics, common formats and best practice. The goal of the handbook is to instruct AHDS staff on how best to preserve digital objects, in accordance with "a migration based preservation approach, incorporating migration to standard formats during ingest." Although this document is written for AHDS staff, the information is useful to the broader digital preservation community.
- http://ahds.ac.uk/preservation/vectors-preservation-handbook.pdf
- Also available in RTF format - http://ahds.ac.uk/preservation/vectors-preservation-handbook.rtf.
-

Preserving the Memory of the World in Perpetuity: A Joint Statement on the Archiving and Preserving of Digital Information
IFLA and IPA (International Publishers Association)
(Last Updated: 12 Aug 2002)
- A joint statement by IFLA and the International Publishers Association (IPA) advocating seven principles and recommendations for the long term preservation of digital materials. Both organisations recognise the need for action and will seek to make long term preservation a key agenda item internationally and the focus of standards development, research and support. Libraries are considered best placed to take responsibility for long term preservation; arrangements with publishers, and joint initiatives are forecast.
- http://www.ifla.org/V/press/ifla-ipa02.htm
- Report by the Director-General on a Revised Draft Charter on the Preservation of the Digital Heritage
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
(Date Created: 12 Mar 2003)
- This document (166 EX/18) contains the revised charter draft as well as UNESCO's Executive Board's comments. The revised draft includes comments from four regional expert meetings including Asia/Pacific, Latin America, Africa and the Baltic countries. It will be presented to the General Conference at its 32nd session.
- http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0012/001296/129679e.pdf
- Resolution on the Preservation of the Digital Heritage - adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO at the 31st session
Drafted by the Conference of Directors of National Libraries (CDNL), prepared for submission by The Netherlands
- This is a resolution prepared by the Committee on Digital Preservation of the Conference of Directors of National Libraries (CDNL), formalised and carried by the government of The Netherlands, and adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO at the 31st session, 2001. It is intended to clearly state what is at stake in the preservation of digital materials and to encourage governments to take action.
- http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0012/001239/123975e.pdf
- Risks Associated with the Use of Recordable CDs and DVDs as Reliable Storage Media in Archival Collections : Strategies and Alternatives
Bradley, Kevin
(Date Created: Sep 2006)
- This document builds a section of the 2004 publication Guidelines on the Production and Preservation of Digital Audio Objects. The document details the measures necessary to ensure reliability when using CDs and DVDs as preservation media for data generally. It includes information on recording reliable data on optical discs, reproduction of optical disc media, optical disc standards and optical disc testers.
- http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0014/001477/147782E.pdf
- Scientific Data and Information : Report of the CSPR Assessment Panel
Committee on Scientific Planning and Review (CSPR)
(Date Created: Dec 2004)
- The ICSU (International Council for Science) is a non-government organisation representing over 100 international scientific bodies. This report by the CSPR (Committee on Scientific Planning and Review) assesses the strategic issues in scientific data and information and reviews the ICSU's current activities. This report is wide-ranging, covering all aspects of the data and information lifecycle including the need for long-term management and preservation.
- ISBN: 0930357604
- http://www.icsu.org/Gestion/img/ICSU_DOC_DOWNLOAD/551_DD_FILE_PAA_Data
_and_Information.pdf
- Selecting Technologies
ERPANET
(Date Created: Sep 2003)
- This ERPANET (Electronic Resource Preservation and Access Network) guidance note discusses the selection of technolgy for digital preservation, preconditions which should be considered before selection and the selection process itself. Also included is a checklist of factors and questions to ask when developing preservation strategies and listing requirements when choosing the technologies.
- http://www.erpanet.org/guidance/docs/ERPANETSelect_Techno.pdf
- ERPA guidance note
- Syntax for Digital Object Identifier
National Information Standards Organization (NISO)
(Date Created: 30 Sep 2005)
- This ANZI/NISO standard defines the composition and order of the unambiguous alphanumeric identifier string in the Digital Object Identifier (DOI) system used to reference an intellectual property entity in the digital environment. The maintenance agency is the International DOI Foundation.
- ISBN: 9781880124680
- http://www.niso.org/kst/reports/standards?step=2&gid=&project_key=a83b
89410e67c2d7f6c7f43a6183d3f18e8c3195
- ANZI/NISO Standard Z39.84
-

Task Force to Establish Selection Criteria of Analogue and Digital Audio Contents for Transfer to Data Formats for Preservation Purposes
Breen, Majella; Flam, Gila; Giannattasio, Isabelle; Holst, Per; Pellizzari, Pio; Schüller, Dietrich
(Date Created: Oct 2003)
- The aim of this publication by the IASA Task Force is to provide principles and guidelines that can be used at an institutional level to plan and set priorities for the transfer of audiovisual resources to data formats for preservation purposes. The guidelines cover issues such as fragility of existing analogue carrriers and the technological obsolescence of the platforms required to play them, the significance of the contents and the responsibilites of the archival institution.
- http://www.icognition.co.za/dev/iasa/taskforce/taskforce.pdf
- Also available in an HTML version at: http://www.iasa-web.org/taskforce_index.htm
- Technical Description of the Universal Virtual Computer (UVC) : Data Preservation Process for Spreadsheets
Testbed Digitale Bewaring
(Date Created: Jan 2005)
- This article discusses the technical specifications for a UVC for spreadsheets. Also discussed are the preconditions that should be met if a LDD (Logical Data Description) for spreadsheets is to be interpreted correctly.
- http://www.digitaleduurzaamheid.nl/bibliotheek/docs/TDUVCv1.pdf
- Version 1
- UNESCO Charter on the Preservation of the Digital Heritage
UNESCO
(Date Created: Apr 2003)
- The charter is a non-binding declaration of a number of principles associated with digital preservation. It claims to be an inspirational document that defines digital heritage, clearly states the problems associated with its preservation and proposes a number of solutions.
Related to Guidelines for the Preservation of Digital Heritage. The charter was adopted at the 32nd session of the General Conference of UNESCO, 17 October 2003.
- http://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13366&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL
_SECTION=201.html
- PDFs available in multiple languages from http://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13367&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html
-

UNESCO and the World Summit on the Information Society
Abid, Abdelaziz
(Date Created: 18 Aug 2002)
- A presentation by Abdelaziz Abid of UNESCO at the 68th IFLA Council and General Conference, Glasgow, 18-24th August, 2002, describing the principles and actions for consideration at the UNESCO World Summit on the information society. The needs of users, equity, information sharing, skills development and knowledge creation are included for consideration. Also included is a discussion paper which served as background to the UNESCO Provisional Draft Charter on the Preservation of the Digital Heritage.
- http://www.ifla.org/IV/ifla68/papers/150-85be.pdf
-

Uniform Resource Identifiers (URI): Generic Syntax (RFC 2396)
Berners-Lee, Tim; Fielding, Roy T; Masinter, Larry
(Date Created: Aug 1998)
- This document describes the characteristics of Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs) and "defines the generic syntax of URI, including both absolute and relative forms" while also providing guidelines for use.
- http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2396.txt
-

URN Syntax (RFC 2141)
Moats, Ryan
(Date Created: May 1997)
- This document provides a syntax for Uniform Resource Names (URNs), covering namespace identifiers, namespace specific strings and reserved and excluded characters. It also describes support for new and legacy naming systems, URN presentation and transport, and lexical and functional equivalence of URNs.
- http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2141.txt
-
Videotape Preservation Handbook
Wheeler, Jim
(Date Created: 2002)
- This document covers videotape formats, common problems, care and handling, cleaning and maintenance, risk management and preservation. Also included is an extensive glossary and a list of related organisations, websites and other resources.
- http://www.media-matters.net/docs/resources/Traditional%20Audiovisual%
20Preservation/WheelerVideo.pdf
-
WIPO Copyright Treaty
World Intellectual Property Organization
(Date Created: 23 Dec 1996)
- The WIPO Copyright Treaty of 1996 was developed in recognition of the need for copyright provisions to be extended to digital information. It establishes the same copyright exemptions for digital information as outlined in the Berne convention.
- http://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/ip/wct/trtdocs_wo033.html
Top
-

Archiving Web Resources : a policy for keeping records of web-based activity in the Commonwealth Government
National Archives of Australia
(Last Updated: Jan 2001)
(Australia)
- A document setting out the National Archives of Australia's policy on the status and management of Commonwealth Government online resources, including websites, as Commonwealth records. It includes Best Practice recommendations plus listings of additional sources to assist Commonwealth agencies in establishing mechanisms for creating, managing and retaining web-based records. Ver 2 revised Jan 2001
- ISBN: 06423442213
- http://www.naa.gov.au/records-management/publications/Archiving-web-po
licy.aspx
- PDF of ver. 2 available from this URL
-

Archiving Web Resources: Guidelines for keeping records of web-based activity in the Commonwealth Government
National Archives of Australia
(Date Created: Mar 2001)
(Australia)
- The companion guidelines to the policy "Archiving Web Resources: A policy for keeping records of web-based activity in the Commonwealth Government", this document offers specific strategic and technical advice to help Commonwealth agencies establish good record-keeping strategies for web-based activities.
- ISBN: 06423442213
- http://www.naa.gov.au/records-management/publications/Archiving-web-gu
idelines.aspx
- Available as a .pdf from this URL
- Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement - Changes To Australian Copyright Law
Australia. Attorney-General's Dept.
(Last Updated: 26 Apr 2005)
(Australia)
- The site provides an overview of the main changes to Australian copyright law in the wake of the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA). There are also individual information sheets covering topics such as 'New Performers' Rights in Sound Recordings', 'Extension of Copyright Term', and 'Electronic Rights Management Information'.
- http://www.ag.gov.au/www/agd/agd.nsf/Page/Publications_Australia-Unite
dStatesFreeTradeAgreement-changestoAustraliancopyrightlaw-March2005
-
Cinemedia: Good Practice Guide
Pockley, Simon
(Date Created: 22 Sep 1998)
(Australia)
- This guide is intended to be of practical assistance to content creators, migrators and project managers in interpreting and applying emerging standards to the creation and management of resources at Cinemedia. Aspects covered include: technical formats and standards, metadata, culturally sensitive content, advertising, privacy and data protection and access issues.
- http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/21405/20010824-0000/www.cinemedia.net/FO
D/DuckDigital/GoodP.html
-
Commonwealth Recordkeeping Webpages
National Archives of Australia
(Last Updated: 2000)
(Australia)
- The Commonwealth Recordkeeping webpages superseded The Australian Archives Handbook. The pages provided information on the National Archives of Australia's policy and procedures for appraising, sentencing, transferring and disposing of Commonwealth government records. They also gave advice on records management procedures, preservation issues, and outsourcing work. The pages were replaced by pages on Records Management.
- http://web.archive.org/web/20060920124545/http://naa.gov.au/recordkeep
ing/overview/new_approach.html
- Commonwealth Records Management Web Pages
National Archives of Australia
(Last Updated: 2007)
(Australia)
- The Records Management web pages provide information on the National Archives of Australia's policy and procedures for appraising, sentencing, transferring and disposing of Commonwealth government records. They also give advice on records management procedures, preservation issues and outsourcing work for all record formats including digital.
- http://www.naa.gov.au/records-management/index.aspx
-

Copyright Law Review Committee: Copyright and Contract
Copyright Law Review Committee
(Last Updated: 15 Oct 2002)
(Australia)
- A report on the relationship between copyright and contract in the digital environment under Australian Law and whether online materials and new technologies are altering the copyright balance with reference to the exceptions established in the Copyright Act 1968.
- http://www.ag.gov.au/www/agd/agd.nsf/Page/Copyright_CopyrightLawReview
Committee_CLRCReports_CopyrightandContract_CopyrightandContract
-
Corporate Memory in the Electronic Age: Statement of a Common Position on Electronic Recordkeeping, May 1996
Australian Council of Archives
(Date Created: 15 May 1996)
(Australia)
- This statement was designed to assist organisations to establish policy, standards and practical strategies for electronic recordkeeping. The statement describes principles and strategies for pursuing this vision under the following headings: creating electronic records and capturing them into electronic recordkeeping systems; designing, building and using electronic systems that keep records; maintaining and managing electronic records over time; and making electronic records accessible.
- http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/52389/20050913-0000/www.naa.gov.au/recor
dkeeping/er/manage_er/append_1.html
- Designing and Implementing Recordkeeping Systems (DIRKS)
National Archives of Australia
(Last Updated: 2005)
(Australia)
- This manual provides Australian government agencies with practical guidance on the design and implementation of best practice recordkeeping systems. It expands the eight step methodology as recommended in Australian Standard AS ISO 15489. The primary audience for this manual is government agency records management project teams and consultants. Vers. 2
- ISBN: 0642344493
- http://www.naa.gov.au/records-management/publications/DIRKS-manual.asp
x
- http://www.records.nsw.gov.au/publicsector/dirks/exposure_draft/title.htm
- Desktop Management: Guidelines for Managing Electronic Documents and Directories
State Records NSW
(Last Updated: 02 May 2002)
(Australia)
- This publication, accessible through the State Records NSW website, forms part of the Government Recordkeeping Manual. The purpose of this document is to foster better electronic recordkeeping practices in the New South Wales public sector by providing guidance on the management of electronic documents. These guidelines are intended to be used by agencies to establish their own internal guidelines for the management of electronic documents. They provide practical guidance on a range of issues including the assignment of roles and responsibilities and integrating document management with recordkeeping systems.
- http://www.records.nsw.gov.au/recordkeeping/rib_30_desktop_management_
800.asp
- Digital Archiving in the 21st century: Archives Domain Discussion Paper
Council of Australasian Archives and Records Authorities ; National Archives of Australia
(Date Created: Sep 2006)
(Australia; New Zealand)
- This discussion paper was prepared for the Collections Council of Australia Digital Collections Summit 2006. Written by the the National Archives of Australia for and on behalf of the Council of Australasian Archives and Records Authotities. It describes what has been done, the challenges, hurdles and potential strategies for preservation of digital records in Australia, the capability of the Archives Domain and urgent need for coordinated action and advocacy.
- ISBN: 1920807470
- http://www.caara.org.au/Publications/DigitalArchiving21C.pdf
- Available online as PDF
- Digital Legal Deposit
National Library of Singapore
(Date Created: 2007)
(Singapore)
- These web pages encourage and provide guidelines for Singapore publishers to deposit online, digital and internet publications in line with this voluntary digital legal deposit scheme.
- http://deposit.nl.sg/LDNet-web/faces/voluntaryDeposit.jsp;jsessionid=F
881B709F700BDDEDA897B4FE9C43A5F
- Digital Preservation Policy
State Library of Victoria
(Regularly Updated)
(Australia)
- This is the digital preservation policy of the State Library of Victoria.
- http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/about/information/policies/digitalpreservati
on.html
-

Digital Preservation Policy for the National Library of Australia
National Library of Australia
(Date Created: 17 Jul 2001)
(Australia)
- This policy indicates the National Library of Australia's (NLA) directions in preserving its digital collections and in working with other agencies. It outlines the nature of the Library's digital collections and the challenges associated with keeping them accessible; its broad directions for the digital collections; strategies for managing digital collections; and its areas of focus in research, standards development and both national and international collaboration.
- http://www.nla.gov.au/policy/digpres.html
- Digital Preservation: Illuminating the Past, Guiding the Future
National Archives of Australia
(Date Created: Jun 2006)
(Australia)
- This publication describes the challenges of digital preservation and the approach of the National Archives of Australia to preserving Commonwealth Government electronic records. It briefly introduces the Xena software.
- ISBN: 1920807454
- http://www.naa.gov.au/Images/XENA_brochure%5B1%5D_tcm2-918.pdf
- Available online as PDF.
-
Digital Record Export Standard : ADRI Submission Information Package (ASIP) : Draft
Australian Digital Recordkeeping Initiative
(Date Created: May 2006)
(Australia; New Zealand)
- The Australasian Digital Recordkeeping Initiative (ADRI) is comprised of national and state archival authorities in Australia and New Zealand. The aim of ADRI is to develop a uniform set of standards, practices and guidelines for digital record keeping. This is draft standard for public consultation which describes the physical representation of electronic records to be transferred to an archive. The final standard was published in 2007.
- http://www.adri.gov.au/ADRI-2006-01-v0.6-Draft.pdf
- Digital Record Export Standard. ADRI Submission Information Package (ASIP). Ver. 1.0, 31 July 2007
Australian Digital Records Initiative
(Date Created: 31 Jul 2007)
(Australia; New Zealand)
- This standard prescribes the physical representation of electronic records that are to be transferred to an archive. It specifies mandatory and optional metadata transferred with each record or file and the way the record (metadata and content) is physically represented as an XML document.
- http://www.adri.gov.au/ADRI-2007-01-v1-0.pdf
- Available from
-
Digital Records preservation in the NSW Public Sector: A Discussion Paper
State Records Authority of New South Wales
(Date Created: Dec 2007)
(Australia)
- This discussion paper describes the challenges associated with preserving authentic and accessible digital records; identifies the Government of New South Wales' requirements in relation to the preservation of digital records;explains and evaluates tools and techniques and recommends development of a policy statement.
- ISBN: 978097584587
- http://www.records.nsw.gov.au/recordkeeping/digital_records_preservati
on_d_14368.asp
- Also available in PDF http://www.records.nsw.gov.au/recordkeeping/docs%5Cdiscussion%20paper%20on%20digital%20records%20preservation%20nov%202007.pdf
-
Documenting the Future: Policy and Strategies for Electronic Recordkeeping in the NSW Public Sector
Roberts, David; State Records, New South Wales
(Date Created: Jul 1995)
(Australia)
- This document was released for comment to New South Wales public sector agencies and to other stakeholders as part of the Electronic Recordkeeping Project in the Archives Authority of New South Wales. This paper is about documenting the future of New South Wales through the electronic records generated by government. The paper proposes a whole of government approach, based on national and international best practice, to keeping records in the electronic environment.
- ISBN: 0 7310 5038 X
- http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/22370/20020925-0000/www.records.nsw.gov.
au/publicsector/erk/dtf/tofcont.htm
- DOHM : Digitisation of Heritage Matrials
Long, Andrew Stawowczyk
(Date Created: Mar 2008)
(Australia)
- This training program in digital copying and archiving of still images was developed by the National Library of Australia for small organisations and groups with limited resources. It includes software and workflows tailored specifically for groups with limited budgets.
- http://www.nla.gov.au/preserve/dohm/
-

Draft Research Agenda for the Preservation of Physical Format Digital Publications
National Library of Australia
(Last Updated: 16 Oct 1998)
(Australia)
- This proposed research agenda looks at unresolved technical and organisational issues regarding digital preservation. In particular, questions regarding the selection of physical format digital publications for preservation are considered.
- http://www.nla.gov.au/policy/rsagenda.html
-

DREAMS : Digital Resource Electronic Access & Management Strategy
Pockley, Simon
(Date Created: 28 Sep 1998)
(Australia)
- This document is designed to complement the Cinemedia: Good Practice Guide. Its purpose is to describe key elements of an electronic management infrastructure capable of supporting long-term access to digital resources. It provides a framework of recommendations as the basis for the development of a digital resource management strategy.
- http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/21405/20010824-0000/www.cinemedia.net/FO
D/DuckDigital/GoodPC.html
-

First steps in preserving digital publications
National Library of Australia
(Last Updated: 23 Mar 1999)
(Australia)
- This online version of a pamphlet produced by the National Library of Australia gives practical advice on steps that can be taken to start the process of preserving your physical format digital collection.
- http://www.nla.gov.au/pres/epupam.html
-

Future Proof : Ensuring the Accessibility of Equipment Technology Dependent Records
State Records New South Wales
(Date Created: Apr 2002)
(Australia)
- This is State Records New South Wales Guideline no. 14. The purpose of the guideline is to offer advice to public offices who are seeking to ensure that their technology dependent records remain accessible over time. The guidelines contain 10 strategies covering metadata, data conversion/migration, monitoring and auditing accessibility and storing and preserving media.
- ISBN: 073139755X
- http://www.records.nsw.gov.au/recordkeeping/guideline_14_future_proof_
5051.asp
- Guide to Developing Recordkeeping Strategies For Websites : Record Keeping Guide G20.
Archives New Zealand
(Last Updated: Jun 2006)
(New Zealand)
- "This guide provides best practice advice for public offices and local authorities to develop strategies to manage their websites as public or local authority records. It articulates key principles for managing websites as records and, based on an analysis of website technology, assesses a range of recordkeeping strategies that organisations can use."
- ISBN: 0478182120
- http://continuum.archives.govt.nz/files/file/guides/g20/g20-introducti
on.html
- Available in HTML and as PDF
-
Guidelines for Commonwealth information published in electronic formats
Commonwealth of Australia
(Last Updated: Jan 2000)
(Australia)
- The aim of this document is to provide guidelines which enable Government agencies to fulfill their legal obligations, which include preserving Commonwealth documentary records for future access as routine work practice. This document was superseded by the Australian Government Web Publishing Guide.
- ISBN: 0-642-39895-X
- http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/24804/20031107-0000/www.noie.gov.au/publ
ications/NOIE/info_access_network/master_jan2000_guidelines_pdf.pdf
- How Do I Protect and Handle Magnetic Media?
National Archives of Australia
(Last Updated: 2007)
(Australia)
- FAQ on preservation of physical format material includes advice on protecting and handling magnetic media and includes section on migration.
- http://www.naa.gov.au/records-management/secure-and-store/physical-pre
servation/faq/magnetic-tape.aspx
-

Keeping Electronic Records: Policy for Electronic Recordkeeping in the Commonwealth Government
National Archives of Australia
(Date Created: 15 Jul 1995)
(Australia)
- This draft policy is designed to provide guidance to users and managers of computer systems in the Commonwealth public sector. It deals with the problems associated with managing electronic records, and recordkeeping and accountability in the electronic environment.
- http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/22377/20011102-0000/www.naa.gov.au/recor
dkeeping/er/keeping_er/summary.html
-

Keeping Government Publications Online: a guide for Commonwealth agencies
National Archives of Australia; National Library of Australia; National Office for the Information Economy
(Date Created: Jul 2002)
(Australia)
- Explains how collaboration between agencies, the National Library of Australia and the National Archives of Australia will help to ensure that online Commonwealth Government p
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