Graphics files of digitization projects, electronic theses and dissertations, non-textual content, non-textual materials, digital grey literature – an ever-growing part of library collections consists of digital information in miscellaneous formats. These digital materials are collected and made accessible. The digital preservation of such data poses a new problem.

Whereas the verifiable life-cycle of books printed on acid-free paper is several hundred years, with digital data the question if -and if so with what- the file can still be opened may arise after only a few years.
If data is solemnly stored on digital data carriers, the loss of research data in an unpredictable dimension will be the case. The three central libraries organized in the Leibniz-library consortium of research information (=Goportis) will face this challenge together with national and international cooperation partners.

Digital Heritage needs to be preserved
The UNESCO Charter on the Preservation of the Digital Heritage (2003) defines the term “digital heritage” as “unique resources of human knowledge and expression”, access to which needs to be granted while protecting sensitive and personal information from any form of intrusion.
To fulfil this goal strategies for digital preservation need to be developed and implemented:
"Continuity of the digital heritage is fundamental. To preserve digital heritage, measures will need to be taken throughout the digital information life cycle, from creation to access. Long-term preservation of digital heritage begins with the design of reliable systems and procedures which will produce authentic and stable digital objects." (Art 5,1)

In 2006 Nestor – the German Network of expertise in digital long-term preservation – published the "Memorandum on the long-term accessibility of digital information in Germany". The memorandum includes 18 principles with the intention to outline framework conditions for the preservation of digital heritage in Germany.
Nestor’s principles are divided into the subjects "Responsibility for the long-term preservation of digital information", "Selection, availability and access", "Technical measures" as well as "Networking and training".
Both, the UNESCO Charter and Nestor, describe the process of digital preservation as one that has to continuously adapt to the ever-changing determining factors of the current state of technology. Standards and strategies need to be developed, implemented and used to guarantee the integrity, authenticity and usability of digitally preserved material.


What is Goportis’ contribution to digital preservation?
The Goportis partners are aware of the responsibility of digital preservation and are currently developing a joint digital preservation strategy. A sustainable approach to permanent accessibility to digital data is being developed by sharing resources, knowledge and experience.
The Goportis partners are intending to pursue a joint technical implementation.
The digital preservation strategy will be stipulated in a Goportis Digital Preservation Policy.


Further information:

UNESCO Charter on the Preservation of Digital Heritage

UNESCO Guidelines for the preservation of digital heritage

Nestor Deutsches Kompetenznetzwerk zur digitalen Langzeitarchivierung