It is well recognised that the period of time in which digital research may remain accessible is likely to be short in comparison to the period in which it will continue to hold intellectual value. Although many digital preservation strategies are effective for simple resources, it is not always possible to confirm that all of the significant properties - the characteristics that contribute to the intended meaning - have been maintained when stored in different formats and software environments. The paper outlines methodologies being developed by InterPARES, PLANETS and other projects in the international research community to support the decision-making process and highlights the work of four recent JISC-funded studies to specify the significant properties of vector images, moving images, software and learning objects.
Executive SummaryThis article summarises the results of a recently published synthesis study on the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC)-funded Digital Preservation & Asset Management (DPAM) programme. The DPAM programme ran from 2004 until 2006 and aimed to establish a basis for the development of institutional strategies and policies for long-term preservation and asset management. Eleven projects were funded by the project across three main themes: Institutional management support & collaboration; Digital asset assessment tools (DAATs); and institutional repository infrastructure development.The study found that the programme was a resounding success. Projects delivered a number of highly relevant and reusable outputs such as demonstrative shared services, survey and assessment tools, costing formulae, case studies, and a number of different training courses. Issues addressed by projects ranged from metadata, repository software and repository frameworks to business planning, life-cycle planning, legal issues and strategy development.In summarising the DPAM synthesis study, this article provides an overview of each of the funded projects and explores project outputs with regards to a selected number of recurring themes. Further themes are explored in the synthesis study itself and readers are encouraged to refer to the study for more information.
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