Library Hi Tech

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reflect on progress over the last ten years in the field of digital preservation for cultural heritage institutions.

Design/methodology/approach – This is an opinion piece, based on the experience of a practitioner in digital preservation.

Findings – Digital preservation has become a mainstream activity. There are differences in the American and European approaches to supporting and organizing preservation initiatives. US institutions would benefit from wider outreach and education efforts.

Practical implications – The implications are left to the reader, but may suggest that more reflection on the goals and strategies of the preservation community is in order.

Originality/value – This paper identifies a need to develop and support distributed centers of excellence to promote digital preservation, provide expertise to other institutions, and to organize sharing and training opportunities for their constituencies.