Contemporary Collections: Preprints from the AICCM National Conference 17th g 19th October 2007 Brisbane pp. 37-42
Abstract
Cultural heritage materials are increasingly being created in digital form, including born-digital personal papers, email correspondence, materials published online or on physical carriers (CD-ROMs, DVDs), sound, images, video and interactive new media artworks. Challenges in preserving these new forms of expression over the long term require the development of new techniques and tools and new skills for conservators faced with their care. In many cases, approaches to digital preservation draw on a combination of principles from traditional conservation practices re-interpreted for these new materials and from selected Information Technology methodologies. Worldwide, cultural institutions are facing the challenge of preserving digital heritage materials and are making progress towards solutions on a number of fronts; creating frameworks for decision-making and risk management, guidelines for good practice in preservation management of digital materials, and developing methods and tools for preservation treatment. Through a case study exemplar, several of these emerging practices and tools will be discussed.