With many thanks to all though who contributed their expertise, advice and
support to the development of the Digital Archive service.
 
'Digital fridge' wins innovation award'

Loyd Grossman announced an award on the 22nd June for an innovative "giant
fridge", which keeps electronic documents 'fresh' for future generations.

The award went to The National Archives in Kew, whose Digital Archive is
described by its Head of Archiving Services, David Ryan, as being "like a
giant fridge for digital records, keeping them 'fresh' by preventing digital
decay."

In winning the prestigious Pilgrim Trust Preservation Award - which
recognises innovation in the preservation of digital material - The National
Archives beat off stiff international competition from the National Library
of New Zealand and the Universities of Leeds and Michigan.

The judging panel praised The National Archives in adapting from dealing
with paper records to responding positively to the challenge of dealing with
digital records.

At last night's awards ceremony, Loyd Grossman, who chairs the Digital
Preservation Coalition said:

'In the two years since I helped to launch the Digital Preservation
Coalition, it is reassuring to see how much things have progressed'.

He added:

'History will judge us very harshly if we are unable to overcome the
obstacles to preserving access to our burgeoning digital cultural heritage
so we need to encourage and reward those who are working to secure it'.

David Ryan, Head of Archive Services at The National Archives, added:

'We are delighted that our innovation in the field of digital preservation
has been recognised. The Digital Archive can hold up to 100 terabytes of
data, which is the equivalent of 1.5 billion pages of text, enough to
stretch from the earth to the moon.'


Notes to Editors:
* If you would like to interview someone, digital images or further
information please contact Siobhan Wakely at The National Archives Press
Office on 020 8392 5277 or e-mail [log in to unmask]
* Electronic records from public enquiries like the Victoria Climbié
Inquiry and websites like the Number 10 Downing Street site can be accessed
free on the Digital Archive. New digital records are being added to the
archive on a regular basis. The digital archive can be viewed at The
National Archives in Kew.

* In 2003 The National Archives also launched a Web Archive to
preserve government websites as historic documents. Its Web Archive
currently stores over 50 government websites, including those of the Hutton
Inquiry, no 10 Downing Street and the Cabinet Office. The archive can be
accessed on www.pro.gov.uk/webarchive and is free to use.
* The National Archives has created a new free online data store of
software file format information: - PRONOM The File Format Registry
provides vital information for anyone who needs to preserve electronic
records over the long term and aims to help with the problem of software
obsolescence. It is a reliable, sustained repository and will allow users
to search a rapidly-growing database of over 250 software products such as
Microsoft Word, Excel and a wide range of Adobe software plus 550 file
formats and 100 manufacturers. PRONOM can be freely accessed on
http://www.records.pro.gov.uk/pronom
* A new DVD version of the 1986 BBC Domesday Project is now available
to view free in the library at The National Archives. "Domesday Community",
was developed by an independent enthusiast, Adrian Pearce, with the backing
of The National Archives and the BBC. It marks a significant turning point
for the 1986 Domesday (produced by the BBC to commemorate the 900th
anniversary of Domesday Book) whose contents are often believed to have been
lost.

* The National Archives www.nationalarchives.gov.uk has one of the
largest archival collections in the world, spanning 1000 years of British
history, from Domesday Book to newly released government papers. The free
museum and research rooms in Kew, west London, are open to the public 6 days
a week.

* For press enquiries please contact Siobhan Wakely at The National
Archives Press Office on 020 8392 5277 or e-mail
[log in to unmask]







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