How to Talk to IT about Digital Preservation

Abstract

Abstract When an archivist talks with the information technology (IT) personnel about providing access to digital collections, the discussion often proceeds smoothly. They have shared assumptions, the common goal of the platform is well understood by both parties, and the vocabulary used to describe actions, tasks, and items is substantially the same, or at least agreed-upon. However, when the discussion turns to digital preservation, there may be a divergence in priorities and understanding. While the archivist’s priority is on making sure their digital assets are preserved and accessible forever, the IT personnel’s focus may be on making current data publicly accessible, making sure that systems are running smoothly right now. To further complicate matters, IT personnel have been performing an activity that sounds very much like digital preservation: archiving, backups, and storage of multiple copies. This column will explore the convergence and divergence of the archival and IT professions in regards to digital preservation, as well as suggest the topics and questions that need to be discussed so that both parties have a mutual understanding of meeting the needs of providing appropriate digital preservation.