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Library Hi Tech
ISSN: 0737-8831
Online from: 1983
Subject Area: Library and Information Studies
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Format obsolescence: assessing the threat and the defenses
| Title: | Format obsolescence: assessing the threat and the defenses |
|---|---|
| Author(s): | David S.H. Rosenthal, (Stanford University Libraries, Palo Alto, California USA) |
| Citation: | David S.H. Rosenthal, (2010) "Format obsolescence: assessing the threat and the defenses", Library Hi Tech, Vol. 28 Iss: 2, pp.195 - 210 |
| Keywords: | Archiving, Computer software, Digital storage, Document handling, Obsolescence |
| Article type: | Conceptual paper |
| DOI: | 10.1108/07378831011047613 (Permanent URL) |
| Publisher: | Emerald Group Publishing Limited |
| Acknowledgements: | Thanks are due to Cliff Lynch, who initially inspired me to formulate these thoughts, Jeff Rothenberg, for constructive criticism, the commentors on the various relevant posts on my blog, and the LOCKSS engineering team. The opinions expressed, and any errors, are the author's own.© 2010 David S.H. Rosenthal |
| Abstract: | Purpose – This paper aims to examine the approach to format obsolescence, preparing for format migration, that has guided most digital preservation work for the last 15 years. It asks why this approach has not rescued significant content in that time, and whether it would succeed in rescuing future content at risk of format obsolescence. Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines the mechanisms of format obsolescence, its historical and current incidence, and identifies attributes of at-risk formats. It examines each step of the current approach asking how effective it would be for these formats. Findings – The current approach assumes format obsolescence is common, happening frequently to most formats. In fact it is rare, happening infrequently to rare formats. The current approach, based on this mis-diagnosis, is ineffective. An alternate approach, based on open source and virtualization, is cheaper and more effective. Originality/value – The paper makes the case that the commonly accepted approach to digital preservation devotes resources to activities that are unlikely to be effective. |
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