Unworkable and Workable Approaches to Digital Preservation and Professional Implications

Gladney, Dr. H.M. (2008) Unworkable and Workable Approaches to Digital Preservation and Professional Implications . In Proceedings TBD.

Abstract

Practical and pleasing preservation technology could be widely deployed within two years. Our prior publications describe solutions for all known technical challenges. Tools for daily work can embed packaging for preservation without much burdening their users. This approach would avoid evident scaling problems. An implementation prescription is available. Slow progress towards practical preservation is remarkable to outsiders. Why has research library progress towards practical digital preservation stalled? We believe that ineffective collaboration across disciplinary boundaries has been a significant impediment. We speculate about cultural reasons for this situation and suggest that it illustrates creeping marginalization of research librarianship as a profession.