Physical format digital material
Limit to:
Magnetic media | Optical disks
Physical format digital material is information in digital form which is stored on transportable media, e.g. magnetic disks such as floppy disks, magnetic tape, and optical disks such as CDs and DVDs.
Media instability and changes in technology are the two main threats to the continued accessibility of digital information stored on physical formats. Of these, changes in technology present the greater risk because they may render these materials inaccessible within a much shorter time span than that in which the medium will become unstable. In five years, some information stored on digital media may become irretrievable, and this will certainly be a serious problem within 20 years if preservation methods are not promptly implemented.
Initially it is important to record vital information about the digital material, such as metadata for management and preservation activities. It is also wise to provide clean and stable environmental conditions for storage, and careful handling practices. Details of these requirements can be found under information on specific media.
No single method has been identified to preserve access to physical format digital material. It will probably require a combination of different methods, such as refreshing, format migration, migration and emulation. Refreshing and format migration may be used to address the problems of unstable media; migration and emulation are longer term strategies for preserving access.
There are a wide variety of physical format digital materials which operate in a range of computer environments and programming languages. Because they often use different languages and structures to Internet documents, different methods of implementing general management and preservation strategies will often be required. For example: migrating an Internet document in HTML format will differ considerably from migrating an interactive publication stored on CD-ROM.
Research Overview
While work on the theory of dealing with digital publications is abundant, we have found only a few practical projects addressing physical format digital material preservation. Institutions in Australia and Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom, have begun to experiment with the preservation challenges of physical formats including rapid hardware and software obsolescence.
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2004 Information Format Trends : Content, Not Containers
OCLC (Online Computer Library Center)
(Date Created: 2004)
- This is a follow up document to the 2003 Five Year Information Format Trends report. It is an enlightening report regarding the concept of "format agnostic" users of library and web based material. It explores the idea that users don't care about what type of document (book, URL, file, text etc) the information is, rather the content is of greater significance. Projected shifts in the volume of content are also discussed. Of particular interest is the rise of social publishing such as blogs and wikis and the syndication of digital content. Such shifts have implications for the planning and implimentation of digital preservation strategies.
- http://www5.oclc.org/downloads/community/2004infotrends_content.pdf
-
5th Joint Technical Symposium : Image and Sound Archiving and Access - the challenges of the 3rd Millennium: Abstracts
Joint Technical Symposium/Commission Superieure Technique de l'Image et du Son
(Date Created: Jan 2000)
(France)
- Abstracts of papers and posters presented at this meeting are available in pdf.
- http://web.archive.org/web/20041010230730/http://www.cst.fr/jts2000/en
/index.htm
- Full proceedings (book or CD-ROM) may be ordered from JTS Paris secretariat: http://www.cst.fr/jts2000/en/index.htm#actes
- Adapting Existing Technologies for Digitally Archiving Personal Lives: Digital Forensics, Ancestral Computing, and Evolutionary Perspectives and Tools
John, Jeremy Leighton
(Date Created: 29 Sep 2008)
(United Kingdom)
- This paper given at iPRES 2008 (British Library Conference Centre, 29-30 Sept. 2008) considers the use of existing technologies for digital curation in the context of personal digital archives and the Digital Manuscripts Project at the British Library. Technologies derived from computer forensics, data conversion, classic and evolutionary computing are discussed and the importance of using multiple technologies rather than a single approach is stressed.
- http://www.bl.uk/ipres2008/presentations_day1/09_John.pdf
-

Assessing the Durability of Formats in a Digital Preservation Environment : the INFORM Methodology
Stanescu, Andreas
In: D-Lib magazine
(Date Created: Nov 2004)
- INFORM (INvestigation of FOrmats based on Risk Management) was developed at the OCLC (Online Compter Library Center) as a methodology to measure the durability of various digital formats. The methodology includes six classes of risk, including software, hardware, digital object formats, migration processes, digital archive and associated organisations. Specific risk factors are identified in each of these classes. The article also describes the methodology of the measuring process, and how formats may be compared or evaluated with respect to risks affecting their preservation.
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1045/november2004-stanescu
- http://www.dlib.org/dlib/november04/stanescu/11stanescu.html
-
Bits is Bits: Pitfalls in Digital Reformatting
Crawford, Walt
(Date Created: May 1999)
- This article describes some of the impediments to reformatting digital materials - such as copy protection technology, software and hardware dependencies and encryption.
- American Libraries Vol. 30 No. 5 (05/99)
-

Building a National Strategy for Digital Preservation: Issues in Digital Media Archiving
Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR)
(Date Created: Apr 2002)
(United States of America)
- A collection of papers commissioned by the Library of Congress and the Council on Library and Information Resources as a background to developing the National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program. Topics of the papers covered "six principal areas in which the LC faces collection-management issues: large Web sites, electronic books, electronic journals, digitally recorded sound, digital film, and digital television."
- http://www.clir.org/pubs/abstract/pub106abst.html
- Also available in PDF format at http://www.clir.org/pubs/reports/pub106/pub106.pdf
- Capturing Analog Sound for Digital Preservation : Report of a Roundtable Discussion of Best Practices for Transferring Analog Discs and Tapes
Council on Library and Information Resources and the Library of Congress
(Date Created: Mar 2006)
(United States of America)
- This report, commissioned by the National Recording Preservation Board of the Library of Congress, assesses current standards and practices in capturing analog sound for digital preservation. The report is based on a meeting of audio experts held in January 2004. The report includes summaries of the meeting discussions and recommendations on practices and procedures for transferring analog discs and tapes. It also includes a 'road map' for analog to digital conversion.
- ISBN: 1932326251
- http://www.clir.org/pubs/abstract/pub137abst.html
- CLIR publication no. 137
-
Care and Handling CDs and DVDs : a Guide for Librarians and Archivists
Byers, Fred R.
(Date Created: May 2003)
(United States of America)
- This NIST special publication no. 500-252 provides care and handling guidelines for those responsible for the long-term preservation of optical discs. The guide examines issues such as cleaning, storage conditions, disc structure and other issues influencing media stability. The guide also includes a glossary. Site archived by the Internet Archive.
- http://web.archive.org/web/20040402025109/www.itl.nist.gov/div895/care
fordisc/index.html
- Available for download as PDF http://web.archive.org/web/20040406001121/www.itl.nist.gov/div895/carefordisc/CDandDVDCareandHandlingGuide.pdf and Summary
-
Care and Handling of Recorded Sound Materials
National Library of Canada; St-Laurent, Gilles
(Last Updated: 15 Feb 2002)
- This resource provides a good basic explanation of what sound is, how it is recorded and identifies many different recording media. It then discusses handling issues and preservation of the sound media.
- http://cool.conservation-us.org/byauth/st-laurent/care.html
-
Care of Sound Recordings
National Library of New Zealand
(Last Updated: 21 May 1997)
(New Zealand)
- While this factsheet from the National Library of New Zealand is part of a series for assisting the public with preservation of family collections, it provides some concise practical tips for care and handling of materials.
- http://www.natlib.govt.nz/services/get-advice/preservation/preserving-
sound-recordings
- CD Technology Overview
The CD-Info Company
In: CD Information Center
(Last Updated: 26 Jan 1999)
- This site has a number of links dealing with CD and CD-R development. In addition there are links to information regarding the longevity, handling, formats and standards relating to CDs and CD-Rs.
- http://www.cd-info.com/tech/index.html
-

Code of Practice for the Voluntary Deposit of Non-Print Publications
The British Library
(Last Updated: 04 May 2001)
(United Kingdom)
- This code sets out the agreed practice for the voluntary deposit of non-print physical format publications in the United Kingdom. The arrangement, which came into effect in January 2000, received the endorsement of the various UK publisher trade bodies and legal deposit libraries, and is intended to guide interim practice before new legislation is drafted. The code also recognises the challenges for the deposit of static and dynamic online publications, and examines some of the issues associated with long term access and preservation.
- http://www.bl.uk/aboutus/stratpolprog/legaldep/voluntarydeposit/
- 1999 Revised Version available at National Library of Scotland website http:///www.nls.uk/professional/legaldeposit/nonprint/code.html
-
Collecting, Indexing and Archiving Net Publications
Schwens, Ute
(Last Updated: 12 Jun 2006)
(Germany)
- These pages outlined the legal mandate and deposit arrangements of the Die Deutsche Bibliothek (DDB) for acquiring digital publications, both for physical formats such as DVDs and for online publications such as websites and electronic periodicals prior to the introduction of the new law which came into effect on 22 June 2006. The current situation is explained on the later web pages about online publications.
- http://web.archive.org/web/20070128202450/http://www.d-nb.de/eng/wir/u
eber_dnb/netzpubl.htm
-

Data Recovery and Providing Access to Digital Manuscripts
Woodyard, Deborah
In: Information Online 2001: Digital Dancing: New Steps, New Partners
(Date Created: 2001)
(Australia)
- Presented at the Information Online conference 2001, this paper describes the issues and the development of procedures for the management, access and preservation of manuscripts in digital formats. The project deals with the many obsolete floppy discs and word processing formats in the National Library of Australia's manuscript collection. Issues include format selection, authenticity, maintaining layout of the original text and preservation metadata.
- http://www.nla.gov.au/nla/staffpaper/2001/woodyard3.html
-
Data Storage Technology Assessment 2002 : Projections Through 2010
Sadashige, Koichi
(Date Created: Mar 2003)
- This report is a follow-up to the “Data Storage Technology Assessment” published in August 2000 and is divided into two main parts. The first part of the report explores the impact the market has on the progress of technology, and lists most important technological events between 2000-2002, such as development of the DVD, optical disc, magnetic tape, hard disc drive and Flash memory. The second part of the report provides an overview of data storage equipment, with emphasis on storage equipment in network environment. Magnetic tape and optical disc technologies are discussed in detail, including various available products. Future trends in the area are outlined for this decade.
- http://www.imation.com/Global/Support/government/AP_NMLdoc_DSTAssessme
nt.pdf
-
Digital Audio at the National Library of Canada
St-Laurent, Gilles
(Last Updated: 12 Aug 1997)
- This site explains the National Library of Canada's work practices regarding their recorded sound collection. Part of this essay describes how audio is recorded digitally (discusses sampling rates, analog-to-digital conversion, digital word length, etc.) and how the NLC assembles material for downloading onto CD-R. Also discussed are various forms of digital noise reduction (de-clicking, de-crackling and de-hissing).
- ISSN: 1201-4338
- http://epe.lac-bac.gc.ca/100/202/301/netnotes/netnotes-h/notes49.htm
-

Digitizing the World's Largest Collection of Natural Sounds : Key Factors to Consider when Transferring Analog-Based Audio Materials to Digital Formats
Grotke, Robert W
In: RLG DigiNews
(Date Created: 15 Feb 2004)
(United States of America)
- This article provides an overview of the steps undertaken by the Macaulay Library of Natural Sounds at Cornell University (USA) in converting its analog tape-based sound collection to digital storage. The article describes the Library's choices regarding digital media and data format selection, quality standards for data creation, monitoring of the archive and long-term storage.
- http://worldcat.org/arcviewer/1/OCC/2007/08/08/0000070511/viewer/file3
683.html#article0
-
DVD Rot, or Not?
Labriola, Don
(Date Created: 11 May 2004)
- “DVD Rot”, a term used in media to indicate that DVD technology was self-destructive and thus very unstable, has been proven wrong by the industry. However, the industry has found that human handling of the technology poses a great risk to its longevity. This article discusses the DVD technology in detail as well as its proper handling and cleaning techniques. The article also includes a short interview with Rohan Byrnes on the topic.
- http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1590561,00.asp
- in PC Magazine
- Evaluating Preservation Strategies for Audio and Video Files
Pavuza, Franz ; Rauber, Andreas; Rauch, Carl; Strodl, Stephan
(Date Created: May 2005)
- This article describes the decision making workflow using Utility Analysis as a way of comparing, ranking and evaluating the various preservation strategies for audio and video files. Two case studies are used to illustrate the process. A more detailed discussion of Utility Analysis as it applies to digital preservation can be found at Preserving Digital Media : Towards a Preservation Solution Evaluation Metric.
- http://www.ifs.tuwien.ac.at/~andi/publications/pdf/rau_digrep05.pdf
- Proceedings of the DELOS Workshop on Digital Repositories: Interoperability and Common Services, May 11-13 2005, Heraklion, Greece.
-
Fading Bits of History
James, Michael S.
(Date Created: 9 Jul 2001)
- In this news article for US ABCNEWS.com, Michael S. James brings the risks to digital information of instability of data storage media and hardware and software obsolescence into the wider public view. The article includes quotes from Brewster Kahle, founder of the Internet Archive.
- http://web.archive.org/web/20070610044716/http://www.thearchivecompany
.com/Forms/Fading+bits+of+history.htm
-

Farewell my Floppy: a strategy for migration of digital information
Woodyard, Deborah
(Last Updated: 29 Apr 1998)
(Australia)
- This paper describes a survey of National Library of Australia collection material stored on disk and reports on the practical aspects of migrating floppy disks to CD-R.
- http://www.nla.gov.au/nla/staffpaper/valadw.html
-
First National Consultative Meeting on the Management of Australian Physical-Format Digital Publications
National Library of Australia
(Last Updated: 16 Oct 1998)
(Australia)
- A National Consultative Meeting (27-28 October 1997) on the management of Australian physical-format digital publications brought together representatives from publishers, creators and the National and State Libraries. The meeting aimed to seek agreement on key principles and responsibilities related to the long-term access to digital publications in physical formats. Issues such as legal and voluntary deposit, copyright, access, licensing, collection development, cataloguing, and preservation paths were discussed and an action plan formalised to progress the development of strategies for the long-term preservation and access to significant Australian publications.
- http://www.nla.gov.au/niac/meetings/physical.html
-

How Permanent is CD-R Media? Understanding CD-R's Variables
Trock, Jacob
(Date Created: Mar 2001)
- In this article, Jacob Trock discusses the permanence of CD-R media and provides a description of dyes, common test parameters, the influence of writing speed and compatibility between discs and recorders.
- http://web.archive.org/web/20050831050707/http://www.medialinenews.com
/issues/2001/news/0314/0314.1.shtml
- Archived by the Internet Archive
-

Il Retaggio Multimediale fra Hardware, Software e Politiche Culturali
Ridi, Riccardo
(Date Created: May 1998)
- In this article, Riccardo Ridi highlights the risks of media degradation and technological obsolescence of both software and hardware for digital material on physical media, and the risk of continuous change for networked material. Seven principles for dealing with these risks are proposed, including adoption of standard languages and software, creation of software, hardware and emulator libraries, preference for network distribution of digital publications and institution of a distributed digital archive for networked digital publications.
- http://www.aib.it/aib/sezioni/veneto/ridi.htm
- Ingest Strategies for Digital Libraries: the Challenges of Handling Portable Objects
Ross, Seamus; Rusbridge, Adam
(Date Created: 01 Jul 2008)
(United Kingdom)
- This paper describes the Packaged Object Ingest Project at the Department of Humanities Advanced Technology and Information Institute, University of Glasgow. This project explored issues related to the ingest of data stored on physical carriers into a repository. A variety of published and unpublished media (CD-ROM, floppy disks) were selected as a test bed. The process was slow and expensive and difficulties related to a variety of file formats and operating systems which required considerable preservation metadata.
- http://archive.ifla.org/IV/ifla74/papers/084-Rusbridge_Ross-en.pdf
- World Library and Information Congress: 74th IFLA General Conference and Council, Quebec, 10-14 Aug 2008
- IPI Media Storage Quick Reference
Image Permanence Institute
(Date Created: 2004)
- This brief guide examines relative humidity (RH), temperature and air quality as storage issues for various media including CDs, DVDs, audio and video tape. Most of the information is in interactive tables so it is a good source of ready reference information.
- http://www.climatenotebook.org/MSQR/MSQR_home.html
- Legal Deposit in Australia
National Library of Australia
(Last Updated: 1999)
(Australia)
- This article contains general information about legal deposit and the particular requirements of deposit libraries in each Australian state.
- http://www.nla.gov.au/services/ldeposit.html
- Legal Deposit of Audiovisual and Multimedia Materials in Scandinavia
Valberg, Trond
(Date Created: 06 Jun 2008)
(Scandinavia)
- This paper presented at the World Library and Information Congress: 74th IFLA General Conference and Council (10-14 August 2008, Québec, Canada) introduces and compares the legal deposit acts of Denmark, Sweden and Norway. It lists the institutions which collect audiovisual and multimedia materials and describes differences in practice and the challenges of collecting internet materials.
- http://archive.ifla.org/IV/ifla74/papers/095-Valberg-en.pdf
- Also available in French, German & Chinese from http://archive.ifla.org/IV/ifla74/Programme2008.htm
-

Long-Term Management and Preservation of Publications on CD-ROMs and Floppy Disks : Roles and Responsibilities
Jones, Maggie
In: First National Consultative Meeting on the Management of Australian Physical-Format Digital Publications
(Date Created: Oct 1997)
(Australia)
- This paper, delivered at the National Consultative Meeting on the Management of Australian Physical-Format Digital Publications at the National Library of Australia in October 1997, discusses the results of a survey which was sent to libraries and publishers regarding the long-term management and preservation of publications on CD-ROMs and floppy disks. Results suggested that partnerships between libraries and some publishers were a possibility. All of the libraries surveyed favoured a cooperative approach to preservation based on a geographic approach to the allocation of responsibilities.
- http://www.nla.gov.au/niac/meetings/roles.html
-
Longevity of CD Media : Research at the Library of Congress
Manns, Basil; Shahani, Chandru J.
(Date Created: Sep 2003)
(United States of America)
- This paper discusses the results of a pilot project on the real time aging of both CD-ROM (mostly audio) and CD-R and RW (rewritable) media. Preliminary results of studies of these materials under accelerated aging conditions is also described.
- http://www.loc.gov/preserv/studyofCDlongevity.pdf
-

Magnetic Tape Deterioration : Tidal Wave at Our Shores
Lindner, Jim
(Date Created: 1998)
- This article, which originally appeared in Video Magazine, examines some of the major threats to the provision of long-term access to magnetic media, such as the obsolescence of many magnetic formats and sub-formats. For materials recorded on magnetic carriers, the author recommends the making of both analogue and digital copies as a strategy to help overcome some of the difficulties associated with the evolution of technology.
- http://www.vidipax.com/articles/tidal.html
- Originally published in Video Magazine, February 1996
-

Mandatory Deposit of Copies or Phonorecords for the Library of Congress
U.S. Copyright Office, Library of Congress
(Last Updated: Jul 2006)
(United States of America)
- Revised in 2000, this US Copyright Office circular sets out the regulations for the mandatory lodgement of deposit materials in the Library of Congress. Certain publications in machine readable formats, such as CD-ROMs and microfilms, are encompassed by the legislation, but automatic databases and other dynamic electronic materials are specifically exempted from the deposit obligation.
- http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ7d.pdf
- U.S. Copyright Office Circular 7d
-
Mapping Functionality of Off-line Archiving and Provision Systems to OAIS
Berkemeyer, Jorg; Die Deutsche Bibliothek
In: NEDLIB : Networked European Deposit Library
(Date Created: Jan 1999)
- This paper discusses the preservation of physical format digital material by national libraries and then considers it in the context of the "OAIS" model as specified in the document 'Reference Model for an Open Archival Information System (OAIS) (version 4.0)' by the Consultative Committee on Space Data Systems. It concludes that the OAIS model is indeed relevant to the preservation of physical format digital material.
- http://nedlib.kb.nl/meetings/frankfurt/GEN-232.doc
-

Measures of CD-R Longevity
Hartke, Jerome L.
(Date Created: 17 Jul 2001)
- A report by Jerome Hartke of Media Sciences, Inc., of an independent study to identify end-of-life tests of importance to recordable CD-R longevity. The study does not attempt to compare longevity of dye types or specific brands.
- http://www.mscience.com/longev.html
- Media Matters : Developing Processes for Preserving Digital Objects on Physical Carriers at the National Library of Australia
Del Pozo, Nicholas; Elford, Douglas; Mihaijlovic, Snezana; Pearson, David; Webb, Colin
(Date Created: Aug 2008)
(Australia)
- This paper describes the development of the Digital Preservation Workflow Project (DPWP) at the National Library of Australia. The DPWP deals with transferring data from physical carriers in the collection to preservation digital mass storage. The process involves the use of primarily open source tools in a flexible system.
- http://archive.ifla.org/IV/ifla74/papers/084-Webb-en.pdf
- World Library and Information Congress: 74th IFLA General Conference and Council 10-14 Aug 2008
- Moving Beyond Manual Media Migration
Lindner, James; Rosner, Gilad
(Date Created: 14 Feb 2005)
- This white paper discusses movement away from manual methods of migration for magnetic tape.
- http://www.media-matters.net/docs/WhitePapers/Moving%20Beyond.pdf
-
Myth of Doomed Data
Garfinkel, Simson
(Date Created: Dec 2003)
- This article attempts to debunk the idea that digital files and formats are in danger of becoming inaccessible. The author maintains that the digital files created today will be available in the long term because the technology already exists and as long as it distributed widely throughout society, access will be enabled. The author also argues that optical storage media has become a more stable format and that backwards media compatibility will need to be built into new generation machines for commercial viability. He also predicts that PDF and JPEG will be decipherable in the future because these formats are "well defined and widely understood", as well as noting the concept of a 'digital lock box', which would store and retrieve data in obsolete formats, as being worthy of government and industry support.
- http://www.technologyreview.com/Infotech/13419/?a=f
- in Technology Review, December 3, 2003
-

Physical format electronic publications in the National Library of Australia: report on a preservation survey
Webb, Colin; Woodyard, Deborah
In: Farewell my Floppy: a strategy for migration of digital information
(Date Created: 9 Sep 1997)
- Early in 1996, the National Library of Australia decided to review the arrangements under which floppy disks and CD-ROMs are managed, especially with a view to long term accessibility. As part of this review the Library undertook a survey of its holdings of what are variously called physical format, tangible, hand held, or portable electronic publications. This paper presents a report on the survey - its objectives, some of the approaches and assumptions behind it, the methodology used, and what was found.
- http://www.nla.gov.au/nla/staffpaper/cwebb6.html
- Platter That Matters
Naughton, John
(Date Created: 07 Jul 2005)
- This newspaper article highlights the need for personal computer users to be aware of the reality of hard disc failure and other issues with long term data storage. As more personal computer users have digital images, movies and sound files and therefore the need for more disk space, the author warns that this problem will keep growing.
- http://observer.guardian.co.uk/business/story/0,6903,1514509,00.html
- The Observer, June 226, 2005
-

Practical advice for preserving publications on disk
Woodyard, Deborah
(Date Created: 29 Jan 1999)
- This paper, presented at the Information Online and On Disc '99 Conference, provides guidance based on practical experience at the National Library of Australia for managing collections which are stored on computer disk.
- http://www.nla.gov.au/nla/staffpaper/woodyard2.html
- Predicting the Life Expectancy of Modern Tape and Optical Media
Navale, Vivek
In: RLG DigiNews
(Date Created: 15 Aug 2005)
- This article describes the results of some recent studies on the longevity of optical and magnetic media. These studies include the US National Archives Study on Higher Density Magnetic Tapes, the Library of Congress Study on CD-ROMs and the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) study on CD-Rs and DVD-Rs
- http://worldcat.org/arcviewer/1/OCC/2007/08/08/0000070511/viewer/file3
612.html#article3
-

Preservation issues for optical/electronic media
Ditzler, Carol
(Last Updated: 3 Oct 1994)
- This detailed and practical report called "The Electronic Information Initiative : Phase 1 Final Report" (our link is directly to the chapter on optical media) by the US National Agricultural Library sets forth findings and recommendations regarding the preservation of optical media and associated electronic media. The main body of this report is organised around eight topics: Preservation strategy; Processing; Storage; User access; Licensing and copyright; Cooperative agreements; Disk production; and Security.
- http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.nalusda.gov/services_and_produ
cts/other_nal_products/eii/nal-eii7.html
- Chapter in: The Electronic Information Initiative : Phase 1 Final Report ; A Key Success Factor in the NAL Strategic Plan
-

Preservation Science Survey: An Overview of Recent Developments in Research on the Conservation of Selected Analog Library and Archival Materials
Porck, Henk J.; Teygeler, René
(Date Created: Mar 2001)
- This report presents an overview of recent research in the preservation of three information carriers: paper, film and photographic materials, and magnetic tape.
- http://www.knaw.nl/ecpa/PUBL/pdf/2211.pdf
- Relative Stabilities of Optical Disc Formats
Iraci, Joe
(Date Created: 2005)
- This paper summarizes research that compared the stabilities of a variety of optical disc formats such as audio CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, DVDs, DVD-Rs, and DVD-RWs. The research was done by a process of acclerated aging at a relative humidity of 80% and 85%. The results discuss how the discs aged.
- http://www.uni-muenster.de/Forum-Bestandserhaltung/downloads/iraci.pdf
- Restaurator, ISSN 0034-5806, vol. 26, no. 2 (2005) available via subscription from K.G. Saur
- Risk Assessment : Using a Risk Based Approach to Prioritise Handheld Digital Information
McLeod, Rory
(Date Created: 29 Sep 2008)
(United Kingdom)
- This paper given at PRES 2008 (British Library Conference Centre, 29-30 Sept 2008) describes a risk based assessment of the British Library's (BL) handheld media (CDROM, DVD, Tape etc.) by the Digital Preservation Team. The aim of this exercise was to assess the condition of the BL digital collections, identify strategies to mitigate those risks, and to recommend and plan actions to be taken. The paper also considers the organisational impact of using a risk based approach.
- http://www.bl.uk/ipres2008/presentations_day1/20_McLeod.pdf
- Risk Carriers - The Risk Faced by Handheld Media
McLeod, Rory
(Date Created: 01 Jul 2008)
(United Kingdom)
- This paper discusses risks related to physical carriers and risk assessment and approaches to dealing with the problems at the British Library by the Digital Preservation Team.
- http://archive.ifla.org/IV/ifla74/papers/084-McLeod-en.pdf
- World Library and Information Congress: 74th IFLA General Conference and Council, Quebec, 10-14 Aug 2008
-

Stability Comparison of Recordable Optical Discs : a Study of Error Rates in Harsh Conditions
Byers, Fred; Lu, Richang; Slattery, Oliver; Tang, Xiao; Zheng, Jian
(Date Created: Sep 2004)
- This NIST report documents CD and DVD recordable disc tests which were conducted in collaboration with the Library of Congress. The basis of the test was accelerated aging using humidity and temperature. Prolonged exposure to direct light was also analysed. It discusses dye types, reflective surfaces and variations in storage conditions as influences on reliability and longevity. The report concludes that archive grade parameters should be formulated and that these should be based on quality rather than brand or manufacturer.
- http://nvl.nist.gov/pub/nistpubs/jres/109/5/j95sla.pdf
- in Journal of Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Vol. 109, no. 5 September-October 2004, pp. 517-524.
-
Stairways to Digital Heaven? Preserving Oral History Recordings at the National Library of Australia
National Library of Australia; Webb, Colin
(Last Updated: 13 Nov 1996)
(Australia)
- The National Library of Australia embarked on a program of digital conversion for its large Oral History collection. This paper provides some of the context for this project and the planning processes involved in the decision to digitise. The process is then described, with some discussion of advantages and disadvantages, and some issues for the future.
- http://www.nla.gov.au/nla/staffpaper/cwebb2.html
-

Standards for Electronic Publishing : An Overview
Bide, M. and Associates
(Date Created: Aug 2000)
- This report was commissioned by the NEDLIB project as a supplement to its Process Model for a Deposit System for Electronic Publications. The report, based on interviews with 14 European publishers, is intended to assist librarians to understand some of the issues in managing the deposit and preservation of electronic publications.
- http://nedlib.kb.nl/results/e-publishingstandards.pdf
- STORAGE : Ten Year Forecast of Storage Evolution
Moreira, Fernando
(Date Created: 28 Feb 2006)
- This document presents a 10 year forecast for storage technologies, including hard disc drives, datatape and optical media. The document also discusses current limitations of these technologies, new research and developing technologies.
- http://www.prestospace.org/project/deliverables/D12-5.pdf
- PrestoSpace Deliverable D12.5
-

Understanding CD-R and CD-RW
Optical Storage Technology Association (OSTA)
(Date Created: 2001)
- This series of pages, provided by the Optical Storage Technology Association (OSTA), covers a number of topics about CD-R and CD-RW media, including some term definitions, media longevity, handling, labelling, speed and quality.
- http://www.osta.org/technology/cdqa.htm
- These pages are also available as single PDF file at: http://www.osta.org/technology/pdf/cdr_qa.pdf
-
Understanding Recordable & Rewritable DVD
Bennett, Hugh
(Date Created: Apr 2004)
- This paper, in question/answer format, features information on specifications, construction, handling, care and storage, labelling and longevity of recordable and rewritable DVDs. Also featured is a bibliography of resources.
- http://www.osta.org/technology/pdf/dvdqa.pdf
-
Videotape Preservation Fact Sheets: Association of Moving Image Archivists
Association of Moving Image Archivists
(Date Created: 2002)
- These fact sheets address topics such as Magnetic Tape Preservation: An Introduction, A very brief history of videotape; Structure and Composition of Videotape; Estimating Tape Life; Reformatting for Preservation, Do's and Dont's of magnetic tape care and Environmental conditions.
- http://www.amianet.org/resources/guides/fact_sheets.pdf
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-

Digital Archaeology : Rescuing Neglected and Damaged Data Resources
Ann Gow; Seamus Ross
In: JISC/Publishers Association Working Party Papers and Reports
(Date Created: Feb 1999)
(United Kingdom)
- A JISC/NPO funded report (102 pp.) within the eLib Programme on the Preservation of Electronic Materials. The report looks at approaches to accessing digital materials where the media has become damaged or where the hardware or software is unknown or no longer available. It has a comprehensive bibliography of printed resources, a webography and several rescue case studies dealing with rescue techniques.
- ISBN: 1 900508 51 6
- http://www.ukoln.ac.uk/services/elib/papers/supporting/pdf/p2.pdf
-
Directory of Information Sources On Scientific Research Related to the Preservation of Sound Recordings, Still And Moving Images, and Magnetic Tape
Child, Margaret
(Date Created: Sep 1993)
- This directory focuses on two areas of concern: how to prolong the usable life of information on current physical carriers through safe environmental storage and correct handling and use; and how to ensure access to information when technology is changing.
- ISBN: 1-887334-27-0
- http://www.clir.org/pubs/reports/child/child.html
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- Joint Technical Symposium JTS 2004. Preserving the Audiovisual Heritage - Transition and Access
24 - 26 Jun 2004
, Toronto Canada
(Canada)
- This conference addresses archiving of audiovisual materials. Links to abstracts, papers and presentations available from Proceedings page.
- http://www.jts2004.org/english/proceedings/index_en.htm
- World Library and Information Congress: 74th IFLA General Conference and Council. Libraries Without Borders: Navigating Towards Global Understanding
10 - 14 Aug 2008
, Quebec City, Canada
(Canada)
Has papers: Canadian Mass Digitization : the University of Toronto Libraries Partnership with the Internet Archive - Historical Overview, Recent Issues and Future Implications
; Archiving Foreign Government Statistical Web Sites for All at Indiana University Libraries
; Electronic Publication: Problems of Archiving and Access to Archived Information: Legal Deposit, Data Protection and Related Topics
; Legal Deposit of Audiovisual and Multimedia Material in France: The Example of the Audiovisual Department of the National Library of France (Bibliothèque nationale de France / BnF)
; L’édition électronique authentifiée de la législation en Europe : Authentication of digital legal information in Europe
; Depósito legal de materiales audiovisuals: la situación latinoamericana
; L’archivage d’Internet, un défi pour les décideurs et les bibliothécaires : scénarios d’organisation et d’évaluation L’expérience du consortium IIPC et de la BnF
; British Library Digitisation : Access and Copyright
; Digital Archiving of E-journals for Special Libraries
; Government Web Content in Canada a National Library Web Archive Perspective
; Gallica 2 : Experimentation d'une Offre Numerique Iincluant des Documents Soumis au Droit D’Auteur
; Case of the National Library of Jamaica in Implementing and Administering the Legal Deposit of Audiovisual and Multimedia Materials
; Preserving Access to Government Websites : Development and Practice in the CyberCemetery
; Legal Deposit of Audiovisual and Multimedia Materials in Scandinavia
; Legal Deposit of Audiovisual Materials at Library and Archives Canada
; Mass Digitization for Research and Study: The Digitization Strategy of the Bavarian State Library
- Included two sessions on digital preservation: digital objects on physical carriers and preservation infrastructures. Papers available from the programme link.
- http://archive.ifla.org/IV/ifla74/index.htm
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Organisations and Websites
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- Audio Preservation
PARS Recording and Photographic Media Committee. Contributing Editor: Hannah Frost
In: CoOL Conservation OnLine : Resources for Conservation Professionals
(Regularly Updated)
- A bibliography of resources on the preservation of sound recordings maintained on the Conservation Online (CoOL) website. The bibliography includes resources on care, handling and restoration of recorded materials, and best practice guidelines and standards for their preservation, including creation and preservation of digital audio recordings.
- http://cool.conservation-us.org/bytopic/audio/
- CD Information Center
The CD-Info Company
(Regularly Updated)
(United States of America)
- This site has information and links provided by the CD-Info Company and includes a glossary and a "technology overview".
- http://www.cd-info.com/
- CD-Recordable FAQ
McFadden, Andy
(Regularly Updated)
- This comprehensive document attempts to answer Frequently Asked Questions about CD-Recordable technology. It is updated regularly, and covers a broad range of issues.
- http://www.cdrfaq.org/
- CoOL Conservation OnLine : Resources for Conservation Professionals
Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation
(Date Created: Feb 1993)
(United States of America)
- CoOL, was formerly a project of the Preservation Department of Stanford University Libraries (1993-2009). It is a full text library of conservation information, covering a wide spectrum of topics of interest to those involved with the conservation of library, archives and museum materials. It includes sections on electronic media and records. In 2009 after Stanford University Libraries could no longer offer support, it is now operated by the Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation.
- http://cool.conservation-us.org/
-
Data Preservation Program : Convergent Information Systems Division
NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology)
(Last Updated: 2003)
(United States of America)
- The Convergent Information Systems Division (CISD), was part of NIST's (National Institute of Standards and Technology) Information Technology Laboratory. The goals of the Digital Preservation Program included working with government and industry to improve the interoperability and reliability with optical discs and library systems. This also included research into using optical discs as a preservation medium. Focussing on CDs and DVDs, the Program was divided into several areas including optical disc reliability testbed, data preservation and life expectancy of optical discs, high density storage, and DVD compatibility testing. As of October 2003 the program was converged into the Information Access Division.
- http://web.archive.org/web/20060930135525/www.itl.nist.gov/div895/isis
/datastorage.html
- Electronic Storage Media
Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation
In: CoOL Conservation OnLine : Resources for Conservation Professionals
(Regularly Updated)
- This is the electronic storage media page on the Conservation Online (CoOL) website and deals with videotape, optical disks (CD-ROM, etc.) and holographic media.
- http://cool.conservation-us.org/bytopic/electronic-records/electronic-
storage-media/
-
Immaterial Variable Media Art / Video Art Preservation : Studies and Suggestions
Danish Video Art Data Bank
(Last Updated: Nov 2004)
(Denmark)
- This website concentrated on the preservation of videotapes. It covered a wide range of aspects including storage, handling, preservation strategies, obsolescence ratings and case studies. It also Included a bibliography and links to other sites of interest.
- http://www.videokunst-danmark.dk/preservation/start-2.htm
-

Legal Deposit System Council
National Diet Library (Japan)
(Regularly Updated)
(Japan)
- The purpose of the Council, an advisory panel of outside experts to the Librarian of the Japanese National Diet Library (NDL), is to contribute to the improvement and proper management of the Japanese legal deposit system. Currently the NDL is making preparations for amending the legal deposit system in order to follow the recommendations from the 1999 report titled ‘What the Japanese legal deposit system should be at the approach to the 21st century, focused on publications by electronic media’, which found that CD-ROMS and other electronic publications which fixate information in physical media should be treated as print material under the same legal deposit, while networked electronic material should be excluded from the same legislation and acquired on a contract basis.
- http://www.ndl.go.jp/en/aboutus/deposit_council_book.html
- The MiniDisc Community Page
(Regularly Updated)
- Website devoted to the MiniDisc format with topical and technical information collected from press releases, articles, manufacturers and sellers.
- http://www.minidisc.org/
- Services of the Preservation Research and Testing Division
Library of Congress
(Regularly Updated)
(United States of America)
- This is a brief summary of the Library of Congress' testing and monitoring projects for CDs and magnetic media, initiated in late 1995. Project objectives included developing guidelines for storage conditions that would maximize the useful life of CDs. Links included to papers describing project outcomes.
- http://www.loc.gov/preserv/rt/
- TAPE : Training for Audiovisual Preservation in Europe
European Commission on Preservation and Access (ECPA)
(Last Updated: 2008)
- This 3 year project, running from 2004 to 2007, was funded by the Culture 2000 Program of the European Union. The European Commission on Preservation and Access (ECPA) was the coordinator of the project. TAPE focused on the preservation and digitization of moving image and sound in a programme of training events, expert meetings, research and publications.
- http://www.tape-online.net/
- Video Preservation
Frost, Hannah (ed.)
In: CoOL Conservation OnLine : Resources for Conservation Professionals
(Regularly Updated)
- A bibliography of resources on the preservation of video recordings, maintained on the Conservation Online (CoOL) website. The bibliography includes resources on video media and formats, care and preservation best practice guidelines, as well as resources on digital video formats and organisations involved in video preservation.
- http://cool.conservation-us.org/bytopic/video/
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Policies, Strategies & Guidelines
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- Archival Process for Data and Image Preservation: The Management and Preservation of Digital Media
Northern Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
(Date Created: 01 Apr 2008)
(United States of America)
- This best practices document produced by the North Carolina State Archives provides guidance to creators of electronic records and custodians of digital repositories on maintaining information electronically over time.
- http://www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/records/guides/AH_Best_Practices_Digital
_Preservation_Final_2008_04_01.pdf
-

Archives Advice 5 : Protecting and Handling Magnetic Media
National Archives of Australia
(Date Created: Apr 1999)
(Australia)
- This paper, issued in the National Archives of Australia Archives Advice series, described appropriate techniques for the care and handling of magnetic media. In addition to describing the range of available formats, the advice includes an overview of some of the strategies that can be used for long-term preservation of these materials, such as reformatting and data migration. It has been replaced on the Archives website with an FAQ " How do I protect and handle magnetic media".
- http://nla.gov.au/nla.arc-36397-20030714-www.naa.gov.au/recordkeeping/
rkpubs/advices/advice5.html
- Archives Advice 5
- Caring for CDs and DVDs
Finch, Lorraine; Webster, John
(Date Created: Jul 2008)
(United Kingdom)
- This leaflet (15 p.) provides an overview of care for CDs and DVDs describing the physical structure and risks associated with environmental factors, handling and storage, and dealing with obsolescence.
- ISBN: 9780712350112
- http://www.bl.uk/npo/pdf/cd.pdf
- National Preservation Office Preservation Guidance Series
- Digital Physical Media and Device Project : CD and DVD Archiving : Quick Reference Guide for Care and Handling
NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) Digital Media Group
(Date Created: 10 Feb 2004)
(United States of America)
- A brief list of recommendations made by computer scientists at NIST in order to maximize longevity for CDs and DVDs, including general recommendations for long-term storage conditions.
- http://www.itl.nist.gov/iad/894.05/docs/disccare.html
- Digital Preservation Guidance Note 2 : Selecting Storage Media for Long-Term Preservation. Issue 2
Brown, Adrian
(Date Created: Aug 2008)
(United Kingdom)
- This guidance note issued by The National Archives (TNA) Digital Preservation Department provides information for the creators and managers of electronic records about the selection of physical removable storage media in the context of long-term preservation.
- http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documents/selecting-storage-media.p
df
- DPGN-02. Available in PDF and RTF Versions from http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/preservation/advice/digital.htm
-
Digital Preservation Guidance Note 2: Selecting Storage Media for Long-Term Preservation
Brown, Adrian
(Date Created: 19 Jun 2003)
(United Kingdom)
- Produced by the Digital Preservation Department of the National Archives (UK) as part of its series of guidance notes on the preservation of electronic records, this document concentrates on selecting storage media for long-term preservation. Focusing on removable storage media, the document lists various criteria that need to be considered. Also included in the document is a media selection scorecard which compares different types of media and evaluates them against the selection criteria. Superseded by Version 2 August 2008
- http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documents/selecting_storage_media.p
df
- This document is the second in a series of guidance notes developed by the Digital Preservation Department, National Archives, UK. It is also available as an RTF document.
-
Digital Preservation Guidance Note 3: Care, Handling and Storage of Removable Media
Brown, Adrian
(Date Created: 27 Jun 2003)
(United Kingdom)
- Produced by the Digital Preservation Department of the National Archives (UK) as part of its series of guidance notes on the preservation of electronic records, this document concentrates on the care, handling and storage of removable media as a means of ensuring their longevity. Focusing on the knowledge of the correct handling and storage conditions for different types of media, the guide gives an overview of the main types available and provides information as to the most appropriate care, handling, storage and environmental conditions. Superseded by Version 2 August 2008.
- http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documents/media_care.pdf
- This document is the third in a series of guidance notes developed by the Digital Preservation Department, National Archives, UK. It is also available as an RTF document.
- Digitial Preservation Guidance Note 3 : Care, Handling and Storage of Removable Media. Issue 2
Brown, Adrian
(Date Created: Aug 2008)
(United Kingdom)
- This guidance note issued by the The National Archives (TNA) Digital Preservation Department provides advice on the care, handling and storage of removable storage media which are susceptible to damage through mishandling or inappropriate storage conditions.
- http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documents/removable-media-care.pdf
- DPGN-03. Available in PDF and RTF versions from http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/preservation/advice/digital.htm
-

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
-

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
- Guidelines for Digitization : Digital Preservation
North Carolina ECHO (Project)
(Last Updated: 2007)
(United States of America)
- This chapter of the North Carolina Echo's Guidelines for Digitization presents the basic principles, issues, processes and strategies of digital preservation. There is also a discussion of storage media, including optimising the lifespan of physical format storage material.
- http://www.ncecho.org/dig/guide_6preservation.shtml
- 2007 ed.
- 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
-

Management and Preservation of Physical-Format Digital Publications: A National Library Position Paper on the Role of Australian Legal Deposit Libraries DRAFT, February 1998
National Library of Australia
(Last Updated: 18 Feb 1998)
(Australia)
- This is a National Library of Australia position paper on the role of Australian legal deposit libraries in the management and preservation of physical format digital materials. The paper suggests ways the National Library of Australia can work with other stakeholders to find practical, cost effective ways of ensuring preservation for this category of publication. Emphasising the need for coordination and cooperation, this paper contains nineteen recommendations for preserving access to physical format digital publications.
- http://www.nla.gov.au/policy/physform.html
-

National Published Archive : Legal Deposit of Official Publications
Her Majesty's Stationery Office (HMSO)
(Last Updated: Nov 2000)
(United Kingdom)
- This document, published in the HMSO Guidance Notes series, outlined the obligations for the legal deposit of print and non-print official publications by UK government agencies. Of particular interest is the description of the requirements of the voluntary code of practice for the deposit of physical format media. The document was superseded by a new version in 2005 and the publisher's name changed see revised version.
- http://web.archive.org/web/20030803093520/http://www.hmso.gov.uk/copyr
ight/guidance/gn_11.htm
- Published as Number 11 in the HMSO Guidance Notes series
- Policy on the Use of Australian CD-ROMs and Other Electronic Materials Acquired by Deposit
National Library of Australia
(Last Updated: Nov 2001)
(Australia)
- This statement sets out the policy of the National Library of Australia towards CD-ROMs and other electronic materials acquired by the Library by voluntary deposit. The conditions outlined here are used to form the basis of a formal agreement to be entered into with depositors when they deposit their publications in electronic format.
- http://www.nla.gov.au/policy/cdrom.html
- Version 2.0
-

Preserving Australian physical format electronic publications : selection guidelines
National Library of Australia
(Date Created: 7 Sep 2000)
(Australia)
- Official guidelines for the preservation of physical format electronic publications, such as CD-ROMs and floppy disks, in the National Library of Australia. They have been developed to assist staff in selecting publications for preservation according to a high, medium and low rating system.
- http://www.nla.gov.au/policy/selectgl.html
- Standard ECMA-379: Test Method for the Estimation of the Archival Lifetime of Optical Media
ECMA International
(Last Updated: Dec 2008)
(Switzerland)
- This standard specifies an accelerated aging test method for estimating the life expectancy for the retrievability of information stored on recordable or rewritable optical disks. This test includes details on the following formats: DVD-R/-RW/-RAM, +R/+RW. Published in April 2008 as ISO/IEC 10995:2008 Information technology -- Digitally recorded media for information interchange and storage -- Test method for the estimation of the archival lifetime of optical media). 2nd ed. published December 2008.
- http://www.ecma-international.org/publications/standards/Ecma-379.htm
-

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
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Projects and Case Studies
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-
NEDLIB : Networked European Deposit Library
National Library of the Netherlands
(Last Updated: Feb 2001)
- This site is the homepage of NEDLIB, a collaborative project consortium, which was headed by the National Library of the Netherlands (Koninklijke Bibliotheek) and included eight other European national libraries, a national archive and three main publishers. The project finished on 31 January 2001.The main goal was to find ways to preserve access to both online and offline (physical format) digital publications. It aimed to construct the basic infrastructure upon which a networked European deposit library could be built. Project Technical Working Papers are available by following the link 'Working Papers' on the home page.
- http://nedlib.kb.nl/
- Services of the Preservation Research and Testing Division
Library of Congress
(Regularly Updated)
(United States of America)
- This is a brief summary of the Library of Congress' testing and monitoring projects for CDs and magnetic media, initiated in late 1995. Project objectives included developing guidelines for storage conditions that would maximize the useful life of CDs. Links included to papers describing project outcomes.
- http://www.loc.gov/preserv/rt/
- TAPE : Training for Audiovisual Preservation in Europe
European Commission on Preservation and Access (ECPA)
(Last Updated: 2008)
- This 3 year project, running from 2004 to 2007, was funded by the Culture 2000 Program of the European Union. The European Commission on Preservation and Access (ECPA) was the coordinator of the project. TAPE focused on the preservation and digitization of moving image and sound in a programme of training events, expert meetings, research and publications.
- http://www.tape-online.net/
Top
- Audio Preservation
PARS Recording and Photographic Media Committee. Contributing Editor: Hannah Frost
In: CoOL Conservation OnLine : Resources for Conservation Professionals
(Regularly Updated)
- A bibliography of resources on the preservation of sound recordings maintained on the Conservation Online (CoOL) website. The bibliography includes resources on care, handling and restoration of recorded materials, and best practice guidelines and standards for their preservation, including creation and preservation of digital audio recordings.
- http://cool.conservation-us.org/bytopic/audio/
- Audio Preservation and Restoration
Gibbs, John; Univ. of Washington Music Library
(Regularly Updated)
- A website created by the University of Washington listing many resources on audio preservation and restoration, including a link to film preservation. Although this site mainly deals with magnetic audio tape, there is a section devoted to Compact Disc longevity and care and maintenance.
- http://www.lib.washington.edu/Music/preservation.html
-
Bibliography of standards and selected references related to preservation in libraries
Dodson, Suzanne; Wellheiser, Johanna
(Last Updated: 15 Apr 1996)
- Although this bibliography covers a broad range of library materials, references relevant to digital media are included.
- http://epe.lac-bac.gc.ca/100/200/301/nlc-bnc/bibliography_standards_ap
r96-ef/eintro.htm
- Video Preservation
Frost, Hannah (ed.)
In: CoOL Conservation OnLine : Resources for Conservation Professionals
(Regularly Updated)
- A bibliography of resources on the preservation of video recordings, maintained on the Conservation Online (CoOL) website. The bibliography includes resources on video media and formats, care and preservation best practice guidelines, as well as resources on digital video formats and organisations involved in video preservation.
- http://cool.conservation-us.org/bytopic/video/
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- Hard Disk Glossary
CDR Info.COM
(Regularly Updated)
- This is an extensive listing of terms and acronyms concerning hard disks and storage devices.
- http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/Glossary/Home.aspx?InitialLetter=B&Cat
egoryId=2
- Optical Storage Glossary
CDR Info.COM
(Regularly Updated)
- This is an extensive listing of terms and acronyms concerning optical storage discs and storage devices.
- http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/Glossary/Home.aspx?InitialLetter=&Cate
goryId=1
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- Annual Report on Preservation Issues for European Audiovisual Collections
British Broadcasting Corporation; Wright, Richard
In: PrestoSpace
(Date Created: 01 Feb 2005)
- This is first annual report on preservation produced for the PrestoSpace Project. It presents the results of a survey of the preservation status of audiovisual material within 20 European countries. It concludes that a large percentage of material currently held by archival bodies is in need of preservation.
- http://prestospace.org/project/deliverables/D22-4_Report_on_Preservati
on_Issues_2004.pdf
-

Farewell my Floppy: a strategy for migration of digital information
Woodyard, Deborah
(Last Updated: 29 Apr 1998)
(Australia)
- This paper describes a survey of National Library of Australia collection material stored on disk and reports on the practical aspects of migrating floppy disks to CD-R.
- http://www.nla.gov.au/nla/staffpaper/valadw.html
-

Long-Term Management and Preservation of Publications on CD-ROMs and Floppy Disks : Roles and Responsibilities
Jones, Maggie
In: First National Consultative Meeting on the Management of Australian Physical-Format Digital Publications
(Date Created: Oct 1997)
(Australia)
- This paper, delivered at the National Consultative Meeting on the Management of Australian Physical-Format Digital Publications at the National Library of Australia in October 1997, discusses the results of a survey which was sent to libraries and publishers regarding the long-term management and preservation of publications on CD-ROMs and floppy disks. Results suggested that partnerships between libraries and some publishers were a possibility. All of the libraries surveyed favoured a cooperative approach to preservation based on a geographic approach to the allocation of responsibilities.
- http://www.nla.gov.au/niac/meetings/roles.html
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Related Topics: Audio and Audiovisual material | Computer Aided Design (CAD)
| Databases
| Digital Television
| Digital games
| Email
| GIS (Geographic Information System)
| Networked digital material
| Spreadsheets
| Virtual Reality
| Word processing documents
Broader Topic:
Formats & Media
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA, Canberra, ACT 2600, AUSTRALIA
Telephone + 61 2 6262 1111; Facsimile +61 2 6257 1703; Telephone Typewriter
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