OCLC Systems & Services

Purpose – This paper seeks to examine important issues relating to digital preservation with a focus on file integrity and digital forensics.

Design/methodology/approach – This is a viewpoint paper.

Findings – This paper highlights important issues relating to digital preservation and offers suggestions on comprehensive approaches to achieving a high level of integrity with library digital repositories.

Practical implications – Libraries have always had as a part of their core mission the preservation of information and cultural heritage. The seriousness with which the challenges associated with digital preservation are met will determine the reputation of libraries as continuing to be a reliable preserver of cultural heritage and research data.

Social implications – Libraries play an important role in cultural heritage and preservation of research data. This role is manifested both generally and specifically within the academic context. It is important that libraries stay at the forefront of developing reliable means for digital preservation.

Originality/value – Several means of achieving a high degree of reliability in the area of digital preservation are suggested. If these and similar ideas suggested from others in the field are followed, it will assist libraries in maintaining a reputation as reliable preservers of cultural heritage and as important players in twenty-first century research endeavors.