This book reflects and shares the broad and practical knowledge of the author in the area of digital preservation.
The presentation of the book and style of writing make it readable and accessible for those wanting expert guidance on how to engage with the process of digital preservation. Case Studies presented offer examples of how others have succeeded, and further reading, in the form of mostly online resources, as well as a helpfully designed Bibliography – which separates Standards, Legislation, and Other Works – demonstrate how organisations of any size can embark on the digital preservation journey.
With ten chapters covering key topics, the reader is led through an effective process for implementing digital preservation including: making the case for digital preservation; understanding your requirements; models for implementing a digital preservation service; selecting and acquiring digital content; accessioning and ingesting digital objects; describing digital objects; preserving digital objects; providing access to users; future trends.
Each chapter is segmented into sub-topics making it easy to refer back to a specific segment. The reader is offered further targeted reading in each chapter, in the form of Notes, and a Key Points section at the end of chapters provide the reader with a clear summary of each key topic covered.
This book shares useful, practical knowledge in the important area of digital preservation. It provides knowledge of the process for a broad audience, effectively serving as a Practical Handbook for those specialists drowning in information about digital preservation and needing a clear, practical overview to help them get started. Because of the clarity and practical guidance offered, the book is valuable for the interested non-specialist too, and I would recommend it a must-read for those studying information management.
