Many thanks to those who responded to my query regarding the curation of
data written to CD.
Several interesting points have certainly been raised-
1) Searching the archives of this and other list-servs is a very useful
exercise- one which I shall certainly bear in mind for the future.
2) I have often found both the ADS (Archaeology Data Service) and AHDS
(Arts and Humanities Data Service) to be useful sources when considering
issues regarding electronic data, and it is important to be aware of
technological developments, especially when the time comes to prepare a
long-term strategy.
3) However, it is well to bear in mind the rapid pace of technology-
although while not rejecting outright the use of CDs, to fully embrace it
as the preferred mediun would also be unwise at this stage. Especially
bearing in mind the point that the life of the CD itself may well outlast
that of the hardware required to read it. (5 1/4 floppy disks.....)
As an aside, interestingly, the almost unanimous preferred medium of
security copying of archaeological archives is microfilming- including the
NMR (National Monuments Record, who will accept the master copy for storage
in their state of the art store) and the IFA (Institute of Field
Archaeologists) and also, it seems, the majority of the museums involved in
receiving archaeological archives.
Armed with all the information I have gathered and been directed to, I will
be able to discuss the longer-term implications at my next meeting (within
the next few weeks)- including retention, deposition and data refreshing/
migration issues.
Thanks once again!
Karen Muldoon
Archive/ Records Supervisor
BUFAU
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