Matthew,

Thanks,

It would be an interesting to do a study of IT departments. I think you
might be surprised. About 10 years ago I was told I had to archive a lot
stuff from our old computer and indeed was presented with a tape with
the material on it. Guess what? When I needed to access a year ago, out
IT department could not access it.

Even if most University IT departments are able to read 5.25" disks how
many companies and private individuals are not able to do so? My PhD
which I completed in 1988 was written in Wordwise on an old BBC
computer. I can no longer read the original disks and have had to scan
the whole of it into Word.

We also simply haven't a clue as to how long digital media is going to
last.

David

-----Original Message-----
From: Woollard, Matthew G [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 31 March 2005 14:46
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: digital cameras


Fortunately, most digital media from the 20th century can be read from
the media and thus (in some form) onto a computer today. However, what
is problematic is having the necessary software with which to make sense
of the data.

I would expect every computing service department in every university in
the UK to be able to transfer data from a 5.25 inch disk to a CD, but
whether the file is in a state to be used is another matter. The
software is the problem.

Regarding the USA 1950 census, this statement is fast becoming an urban
myth. See http://tafkac.org/misc/census.html.

However, David is quite right about preserving the (digital) present --
and that is what archives and data archives across the globe are
currently doing.




Matthew Woollard
Head, AHDS History
UK Data Archive
University of Essex
Colchester CO4 3SQ

phone: +44 1206 873704
fax:   +44 1206 872003


Any views expressed by the sender of this message are not necessarily
those of the UK Data Archive. This email and any files transmitted with
it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual(s)
or entity to whom they are addressed.


> -----Original Message-----
> From: From: Local-History list
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of GATLEY David A
> Sent: 31 March 2005 14:28
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: digital cameras
>
>
> Re: digital cameras
>
> I too use a digital camera - 5 megapixels required. But I'm
> an amateur and the prints are not particularly good, getting
> documents in focus is difficult without a tripod and a stand
> for the document and a lot of fiddling around.
>
> ---------------------
> My reply
>
> Have you adjusted the speed of the camera to 400ASA or
> faster? That should improve the prints, but they will be
> grainier. Also set the lens the maximum wide angle.
> ---------------------
>
> On the whole, I don't think record offices have caught up
> with this trend yet - many of them do permit the use but
> there are no facilities to enhance the pictures, such as
> well-lit rooms. Moreover, the persistent digital camera user
> can also cause annoyance to other researchers if on the same table.
>
> -----------------
> My reply
>
> Only too true
>
> ----------------
>
> I was interested to read that the digital prints will not
> last 10 years
> - presumably the CD copy will be OK, so long as it is
> transferred to updated software every now and then? If not,
> what is the best way for long-term preservation of these
> digital pictures? Jacqueline Cooper
>
> --------------
> My reply...
>
> The survival of most 20th century records SHOULD BE OF
> CONCERN TO ALL HISTORIANS. Viz: -
>
> 1) Most films and photographs which have been taken have been
> lost. Viz: This includes much TV production including early
> series of Dads Army, Steptoe and Son, and only recently was
> the episode where Dr Who regenerates for the first time
> rediscovered. Similarly all the episodes of the Archers from
> 1960 to 1969 were also rediscovered in a trunk destined for
> shipment to South Africa.
>
> 2) Our paper has a high acid content. Pick up any book more
> than 30 years old and you'll see the problem. Compare that
> with much 13th Century parchment.
>
> 3) 5.25" floppy disks can no longer be read. I have heard
> that the Americans are no longer able to read the tapes on
> which their census of 1950 was stored.
>
> 4) Have you any Betamax videos? If so, can you play them?
>
> 5) Buildings are pulled down without proper surveys or
> photographic records being made.
>
> 6) Who bothers to photograph their houses before making
> alterations and redecorating?
>
> Clearly something needs to be done to preserve the present as
> well as the past.
>
> David
>
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