Presentations from the popular DPC / BLPAC 'Getting Started in Digital Preservation' workshop in Aberystwyth in June are now available online. To see these, as well as the presentations from similar events in Glasgow in April and London in May see: http://www.dpconline.org/events/details/56-getting-started-in-digital-preservation?xref=61%3Aeventtitle   The roadshow has been popular and each of the stops has sold out well ahead of time.  Discussions are now under way about extending the programme in September.  Details will follow.

New web-archiving report tackles 'moving target' of preserving digital memory

The Digital Preservation Coalition (DPC) has released its latest in the series of topical Technology Watch Reports to the public today. ‘Web Archiving,’ by Maureen Pennock, presents a constructive study of the fast-paced digital age and the pressures we face in attempting to capture web based information for the future.

Maureen’s report outlines some of the current issues faced by organisations engaged in this challenging occupation. “The speed at which the web has become part of everyday life is unprecedented…Yet the very speed at which it develops poses a threat to our digital cultural memory, of its technical legacy, evolution and our social history,” she explains.

‘Web Archiving’ advises on some of the technical approaches to web archiving and, crucially, provides valuable information on the resources available to support organisations tackling this ‘moving target.’

Abbey Potter of the US Library of Congress has endorsed the report on behalf of the International Internet Preservation Consortium’s saying.  ‘This is an excellent introduction to the topic of web archiving.” The UK’s National Archives’ Amanda Spencer concurs, praising the report as covering “all the significant themes and issues relating to web archiving today.”

The report has been eagerly awaited by those responsible for managing the lifecycle of web content and wishing to broaden their knowledge of web archiving prior to embarking on or revising their own initiatives. It has also been well received by organisations or individuals who are new to web archiving, and existing practitioners are finding value in the report’s summative nature.

Web Archiving is the latest in the state of the art ‘Technology Watch Reports’ that give an advanced introduction to ensuring that high-value and vulnerable digital resources can be managed beyond the limits of technological obsolescence. Neil Beagrie of Charles Beagrie Ltd acts as managing editor of the series.

• Read Maureen Pennock's report 'Web Archiving'

The 4C consultation is now open!

The 4C project has begun its open consultation to find people interested in clarifying the costs of curation for their organisation. This consists of an online questionnaire that will start a communication channel for further engagement. 

The consultation is especially aimed at: research funding institutions, cost model experts, big data science institutions, digital preservation vendors, government agencies, publishers, content producers and holders, data intensive companies, memory institutions or in fact any person or institution that has an interest in identifying and clarifying the(ir) costs of curation. So, if you are interested in knowing more about digital curation costs, get involved by clicking the link below, and share your thoughts because this consultation is for you.

http://4cproject.net/initial_consultation/

The consultation closes on June 17th, so join in now!

The Chair of the Digital Preservation Coalition cordially invites

... the British Library, Cambridge University Library, Creative Scotland, the Digital Curation Centre, JISC, The National Archives, The National Records of Scotland, The National Library of Scotland, The Open University, Oxford University Library Service, Public Records Office of Northern Ireland, Research Councils UK, and the University of London Computer Centre...

to send a delegates to the meeting of the DPC Directors’ Group, at The Grange Hotel, Bootham York on Thursday 4th July 2013, 1130-1600

The Directors’ Group provides an extended and informal networking opportunity at which staff, partners, contractors or allies of full members of the Coalition are invited to describe and discuss current, forthcoming and future digital preservation projects. It allows staff, colleagues and supporters - who might not normally attend Board meetings - to contribute to the Coalition’s work plan for the coming year. It encourages the development of bilateral and multi-lateral relationships among members; helps disseminate good practice; and ensures that the work of the coalition remains tied to the changing needs of the workforce.Full members are invited to nominate up to four delegates.

Delegates can be drawn from any department, project, partnership or constituent of the institution so long as they are able to contribute to and benefit from an open discussion on digital preservation and cognate issues. Delegates will be expected to participate in a range of activities which introduce their own current and future work, which review the work of others and which help inform the work of the Coalition in the coming year. The event will be help under ‘Chatham House Rules’, therefore allowing members to share genuine challenges and present emerging tools and processes without them being reported outside. An outline programme and details of logistics are attached.Lunch will be provided and refreshments will be available throughout the day.

For more details and to RSVP see: http://www.dpconline.org/events/details/63-directors-group-2013?xref=69