Theory and Craft of Digital Preservation

The book "The Theory and Craft of Digital Preservation" is a guide to managing data in the digital age. It was awarded the ALCTS Outstanding Publication Award and the Waldo Gifford Leland Award by the Association for Library Collections & Technical Services and the Society of American Archivists, respectively. The author, Trevor Owens, establishes a baseline for practice in this field and builds from this theoretical framework to map out a more deliberate and intentional approach to digital preservation. The book is anchored in an understanding of the traditions of preservation and the nature of digital objects and media and will prove an invaluable reference for archivists, librarians, museum professionals, scholars, and researchers in the digital humanities.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 240 pages
\n Publication date: 11 December 2018
\n Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
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In the digital age, where data reigns supreme, managing it effectively becomes crucial. While some may hold the belief that what exists online will persist forever, warnings of a looming digital dark age, where records of our recent past become lost or inaccessible, persist in the popular press. It seems we yearn for a system to safeguard our digital records for future scholars and researchers. However, digital preservation experts argue that this is an illusion, a pursuit not worth pursuing. Ensuring long-term access to digital information is a complex issue with profound ethical dimensions. It demands a dedicated vocation.

In his groundbreaking work, The Theory and Craft of Digital Preservation, librarian Trevor Owens establishes a solid foundation for practice in this field. The book begins by synthesizing existing research on the history of preservation across various domains, including archives, manuscripts, recorded sound, and more. This synthesis is placed in conversation with work in new media studies, platform studies, and media archeology, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities of digital preservation.

Building upon this theoretical foundation, Owens proceeds to outline a more deliberate and intentional approach to digital preservation. He delves into the intricacies of digital objects and media, exploring their unique characteristics and challenges. The book offers a comprehensive introduction to the issues and practices of digital preservation, grounded in a deep understanding of the traditions of preservation and the nature of digital materials.

Owens' extensive research, coupled with his extensive writing on digital preservation, makes his work an invaluable resource for archivists, librarians, museum professionals, scholars, and researchers alike. It serves as a comprehensive guide to navigating the complexities of the digital realm, ensuring the preservation of our digital heritage for generations to come.

\n Weight: 316g\n
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 17 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781421426976\n \n