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Digital Preservation Methods


About this trail | FAQs about Digital Preservation Methods | Beginners Trail | Other trails


About this trail

The Digital Preservation Methods Trail gives a broad introduction to the issues involved when considering approaches to preserving digital information. Assumed knowledge is at a beginners level. This trail is not intended to make recommendations as to the best digital preservation methods. This trail is a subset of the full PADI database.


FAQs about Digital Preservation Methods


What is the best way to preserve digital information?

There is no 'best way' to preserve digital information. In the absence of a single standard or correct approach, however, some methods or combination of methods may be utilised more than others. . The decision as to the most appropriate strategy to use will depend on factors relevant to the particular preservation situation and data type, and these may include costs, how long the information is to be preserved, staff resources and risk management considerations.


What are the main methods used to preserve digital information?

There are many ways to preserve digital information. The following resources provide descriptions of some the various methods, as well as discussion of the relevant advantages and disadvantages and further reading.

Digital Preservation Management - implementing short term strategies for long term solutions
Cornell University's tutorial has an extensive list of electronic preservation methods and strategies including assessments of their relative strengths and weaknesses.

Preserving Digital Information : a Workbook Section 6.3
Alan Howell's workbook has an extensive list of Digital Preservation Strategies.

UNESCO Guidelines for the Preservation of Digital Heritage
Chapter 17 - Maintaining Accessibility
This chapter gives descriptions, examples, advantages and disadvantages of the various digital preservation methods.

Preservation management of digital materials- . Section 4.3.2 - Storage and Preservation - Preservation Strategies
This report by Maggie Jones and Neil Beagrie includes descriptions of the range of approaches to digital preservation and analysis of their corresponding advantages and disadvantages. Implementation requirements and further reading are also covered. .


Where can I find more information?

For more information on digital preservation methods, see the PADI digital preservation strategies topic page , or, search the PADI database using 'digital preservation strategies' as the search term.


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