Framework for Assessing and Planning Digital Preservation Risks
NARA's Digital Preservation Framework: A Comprehensive Approach to Long-term Digital Record Preservation
The United States National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has developed a groundbreaking Digital Preservation Framework, designed to ensure the long-term preservation, usability, and accessibility of digital records. This approach offers guidelines and strategies for managing digital information, with a focus on sustainable file formats, preservation actions, and continual monitoring.
Key aspects of the framework include:
- Identification of sustainable file formats: The framework emphasizes the importance of selecting file formats that can be preserved and remain accessible over time. These formats are chosen based on transparency, openness, stability, and adoption by memory institutions.
- Guidelines for acquisition and preservation: The framework outlines responsibilities for content providers and NARA staff, providing a clear structure for operationalizing the preservation process.
- Ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and updating: The framework's preservation practices are reviewed every three years to keep pace with technological changes and ensure compliance with the latest standards.
The framework's impact and innovation were recognised internationally when it received the 2020 National Digital Stewardship Alliance Innovation Award in the Digital Preservation Organization category. This award underscores the framework's influence on digital preservation practices beyond the U.S., making it a model for archival institutions worldwide.
The framework is aligned with international good practices, fostering cooperation and consistency in digital stewardship globally. Although a detailed description of all specific technical components was not found in the provided search results, the overall impact is characterised by its comprehensive, sustainable, and collaborative preservation methodology.
In addition to these components, the Digital Preservation Framework offers:
- Preservation Action Plans for over 700 file formats.
- Preservation Plans for 16 categories of electronic records.
- A Matrix for file format risk analysis and prioritization.
- Reusability, adaptation, and discussion opportunities, making the framework accessible for all.
The framework is publicly available on the NARA Github account, reflecting its commitment to transparency and collaboration. Being based on NARA's electronic record holdings and current capabilities, it provides a practical and applicable approach to digital preservation.
In summary, NARA’s Digital Preservation Framework sets standards for enduring digital access, mandates clear roles and responsibilities, and incorporates continuous evaluation, contributing significantly to international digital preservation ecosystems as recognised by the 2020 award.
Data-and-cloud-computing technology plays a crucial role in the sustainable preservation of digital records by allowing for the storage and management of massive amounts of digital data, ensuring its long-term accessibility and usability. The NARA Digital Preservation Framework, through its focus on technology, offers a comprehensive approach to long-term digital record preservation, leveraging advanced technology solutions to achieve its objectives.
