Preservation Management of Digital Materials: A Handbook

There is a rapidly increasing volume of information which exists in digital form. Considerable opportunities are offered by digital technology to provide rapid and efficient access to information but there is a very real threat that the digital materials will be created in such a way that not even their short-term viability can be assured, much less the prospect that future generations will also have access to them. Digital materials need to be managed as early as possible if they are to remain accessible as long as they are required. Practical experience and expertise in this area is still scarce. This handbook identifies good practice in creating, managing and preserving digital materials and also provides a range of practical tools to assist in that process. By giving a strategic overview of the key issues, discussion and guidance on strategies and activities, and pointers to key projects and reports, the handbook provides guidance for institutions and individuals and a range of tools to help them identify and take appropriate actions.