Library Hi Tech

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to assist both the National Library of Australia and other institutions to think about digital objects in ways that will help to identify which preservation actions are most appropriate for a particular circumstance. It seeks to examine the basic nature of digital objects and how users interact with those objects.

Design/methodology/approach – This article brings together and clarifies a number of key digital preservation theories. It proposes the concept of preservation intent: a clear articulation of a commitment to preserve an object, the specific elements of the object the should be preserved, and a clear time line for the duration of preservation. It investigates these concepts through simple and practical examples.

Findings – The paper presents what the authors believe are some of the essential ideas and thinking about digital preservation.

Practical implications – The paper will prove useful in clarifying some of the terminology and concepts to those who are in or are yet to be initiated into the “order”.

Originality/value – The paper brings together and clarifies some of the core ideas and theories in digital preservation, in order to better facilitate the minimisation of change in the digital objects stored by the National Library of Australia.