Julian Richard (ADS) makes a good case for electronic format. I am
wondering, though, how ADS archives are stored (what medium) and how the
archives are monitored for data degradation (how often, etc..) and what
steps are taken if the storage medium is judged to be at risk? Data loss
is main concern here - despite claims to the contrary a few years ago,
paper still appears to be the most durable medium we know of and is also
widely disseminated among scholars, including those in the Third World who
may not have access to computer facilities as readily as we do!
AB
Ariane Burke, Assoc. Prof.
Dept. of Anthropology,
U. of Manitoba, Winnipeg,
MB, Canada, R3T 5V5
Tel. (204) 474-6654 Fax. (204) 474-7600
If the nightingale
will not sing -
wait.
(Anon.Japanese poem)
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