Introduction to Digital Preservation

This curated collection provides an introduction to digital preservation planning, describes basic digital preservation concepts and terminology, and introduces elements for inclusion in a digital preservation plan or policy.

When caring for and creating digital content, stewards must plan and maintain long term storage, management, and migration through processes of digital preservation. Digital preservation is necessary for institutions and departments of all sizes and funding levels.

After reading, watching, and working through the resources in this collection, you will learn basic digital preservation concepts, be prepared to review your current practices, and begin initial planning for digital preservation. For the best outcome, review the resources below, and the sub-collections in the right sidebar, in the order they are presented. Some resources in this collection may contain similar information, but offer different perspectives and approaches. 

This collection is divided into the following sub-collections:

• File Storage - Resources to understand storage media, backups, and security.
• File Integrity - Resources for creating and maintaining files with integrity and authenticity.
• File Access - Resources to learn about the importance of maintaining secure internal access to files by centering long term usability, including contextual information, and adapting to changing technology.
• Policies and Workflows - Resources for creating documentation of digital preservation through plans, policies, and workflows.

This collection was last updated on January 21st, 2021.