For the most recent Library Advisory Board update, Exact Editions has turned its attention to the important issue of digital preservation in line with World Digital Preservation Day. The update explores how libraries are prioritising the protection of both digital and physical collections, and how partners like Exact Editions can play a stronger role in supporting this work.

The Board Members:

  • Rick Anderson, Brigham Young University
  • Megan Heady, West Virginia University
  • Neil Davies, Durham University

Question One

What are your library’s current priorities when it comes to preserving both physical and digital collections?

Response

Across the libraries consulted, it is clear that preservation priorities are being shaped by a careful balance between protecting unique materials and access needs. The foremost concern is safeguarding any rare and unique items (both physical and digital) that are considered vital. If physical items can be easily replaced or are available via interlibrary loan then the need for preservation is not as critical. The same is true for digital collections. Libraries are having to upgrade digital storage facilities to ensure the long-term safety of their resources.

An additional challenge is the need to create space for readers in an increasingly full library by withdrawing underused books and relocating low-use items to remote storage, while ensuring that journal content remains accessible through secure, online access methods. For printed journals, if electronic access is guaranteed then the printed volumes can often be removed to create extra space.

Question Two

When considering new digital platforms or content, how much weight do you place on long term preservation and archival access?

Response

The board were largely in agreement that there is a clear distinction between the treatment of circulating materials and special collections. Circulating collections are viewed as more temporary with repairs aimed to extend usability rather than ensuring permanence. Whereas in contrast, special collections are preserved with long term preservation in mind. The intent is to keep them forever so they receive more robust preservation treatment.

This is particularly true when it comes to digital materials. Libraries prioritise models that guarantee perpetual access to the resource and are made secure with the insurance of a digital preservation service like Portico, ensuring that the collections remain reliably accessible for the future.

Question Three

How can vendors like Exact Editions better support your institution’s goals around preservation and long term access?

Response

It was noted across the board that the most important way vendors can support libraries in achieving their preservation goals is by ensuring reliable, long-term access to purchased digital content. This depends on two key factors. First, keeping ongoing hosting and access fees low enables libraries to sustain budgets for the continued preservation of digital titles.

Second, vendors must implement robust preservation and contingency measures to guarantee permanent accessibility. Services such as Portico play a vital role in providing this layer of assurance, allowing libraries to maintain confidence that their digital collections will remain secure and accessible for the long term.

…

This round of digital preservation discussions was especially insightful, giving Exact Editions a clearer understanding of how libraries are working to secure long-term access to their collections. As always we are very grateful to the Library Advisory Board for sharing their time and ideas with us.

Exact Editions has recently started offering perpetual access to the digitised archives of 10 of Britain’s most influential newspapers to institutions amongst many other prestigious publications. All in agreement with Portico, ensuring that the content is safeguarded and libraries can access it forever.

To view more information about the titles available please visit the Exact Editions site here.

If you have any questions or would like to join the conversation, please do get in touch via institutions@exacteditions.com.