LibGuides: Libraries Digital Strategies: Digital Strategies Consultation

LIBRARY SUPPORT FOR RESEARCHERS

DIGITAL PRESERVATION AND CURATION SUPPORT

Digital preservation and curation can help creators of digital content better format, describe, utilize, and make accessible their digital records to achieve their objectives and ensure their records remain accessible over time. The Libraries provide digital preservation and curation support to help faculty, staff, students, and researchers on questions related to the following areas:

File formats

What file formats support long-term accessibility and use?
What file formats facilitate long-term preservation?
How do I access or create web archives?

Digitization

What equipment or services can be used for digitization?
What scanning specifications should be used when digitizing content?

Retention and Preservation Planning

How long does the content need to remain accessible?
Should content be backed-up? If so, how often?
Should copies of the content be made for added security?
What methods should be used to prevent file degradation?

Access and Discoverability

Will content be made publicly accessible?
How are access permissions managed?
Do any restrictions apply?
What descriptive metadata is needed to make content discoverable?

Research data

What preservation options are available for research data deposit?
Who will manage access to research data after a researcher retires or leaves the institution?
What file formats are commonly used within your discipline?

Book a Consultation

If you have questions about any of the above, need help with preservation and curation decisions, or would like to learn more about how the Libraries can support your digital projects, contact the Research Services and Digital Strategies team.