apologies for any cross-posting
with thanks to Toby Bainton for drawing this to the attention of the lists.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IFLA/IPA Joint Press Release: Publishers and librarians agree on the
preservation of digital information
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions
(IFLA) published the following press release on its website at
http://www.ifla.org/V/press/ifla-ipa-pr.htm:
IFLA/IPA Joint Press Release:
Publishers and librarians agree on the preservation of digital
information
12 August 2002
Agreement on the archiving and preserving of digital information has
been reached by an international group of librarians and book and
journal publishers.
The statement, entitled "Preserving the Memory of the World in
Perpetuity" was agreed by the Joint Steering Group, established by
the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions
(IFLA) and the International Publishers Association (IPA).
Ingrid Parent, IFLA's Co-Chair of the Steering Group said:
"Among the many issues surrounding digital publications, their
preservation is becoming increasingly urgent. Libraries, especially
at the national level, have a key role to play in ensuring that the
world's digital heritage is properly preserved so that it remains
available for future generations."
Concern has been growing that much digital material has already been
lost, because no attempt has been made to preserve it. In many
countries there are long-established arrangements to preserve print
materials for future generations. But this is often not the case for
digital information. As a result, many electronic publications will
not be preserved unless specific steps are taken to ensure their
survival.
The statement commits both organisations to work together on joint
initiatives to study the3 technical, economic and policy issues
surrounding digital preservation.
Herman P. Spruijt, IPA's Co-Chair of the Steering Group said:
"At a time where digital information is growing exponentially, and
increasingly has no print equivalent, it is of fundamental importance
that publishers and librarians join forces to encourage the
development and implementation of appropriate systems and research
for the long-term archiving and preservation of electronic
information."
Full text: Preserving the Memory of the World in Perpetuity: a joint
statement on the archiving and preserving of digital information
<http://www.ifla.org/V/press/ifla-ipa02.htm>.
*************************************************************************************
Neil Beagrie JISC Digital Preservation Focus
Programme Director Secretary, Digital Preservation Coalition
JISC London Office, Tel/Fax/Voicemail :+44 (0)709 2048179
King's College London email: [log in to unmask]
Strand Bridge House url: www.jisc.ac.uk/dner/preservation/
138 - 142, The Strand, www.dpconline.org
London WC2R 1HH email list: www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/digital-preservation.html
*************************************************************************************