Overview: Digital Preservation Program

The core teaching and research missions of the University are increasingly dependent upon digital content. Digital materials are inherently fragile and dependent for their long-range viability on technologies that change continuously. One of the key challenges of the twenty-first century is how to preserve the usefulness of this digital content for future generations of scholars.

In response to these challenges, HUL established the Digital Preservation Program in the Office for Information Systems in June 2008. The program builds on years of digital preservation projects and initiatives conducted at Harvard University.

The centerpiece of the preservation program is HUL's digital preservation repository, the Digital Repository Service (DRS).

• To learn how to use the DRS, the deposit process, or the services available to deliver DRS content, see the DRS & Delivery Services.
• For more in-depth information about the DRS data model, content models and preservation practices, see Preservation Repository (DRS).

In addition to informing the design and preservation services of the DRS, program staff develop preservation plans for DRS-stored content, and conduct "technology watches" to analyze the impact of technological changes on content stored in the DRS.

As the program evolves, more emphasis will be put on communication, collaboration and outreach. Program staff will:

• Provide guidance on the creation and description of digital content that is amenable to long-term storage and use, including recommended formats and metadata
• Recommend tools and services helpful for digital content management and preservation activities
• Provide contact information for individuals and organizations with expertise in different areas related to digital preservation, both at Harvard and external to Harvard
• Communicate digital preservation standards and best practices to the Harvard Community
• Participate and collaborate nationally and internationally to make progress on digital preservation standards, practices, tools and services

Contact Andrea Goethals ( or call 5-3724), HUL's Digital Preservation and Repository Manager, for more information.