The Digital Preservation Coalition is today publishing the latest in its popular Technology Watch Reports ‘Intellectual Property Rights for Digital Preservation’ by Andrew Charlesworth of the University of Bristol.

Legal issues, in particular the process of obtaining copyright clearance for preservation and access of archived material, can contribute significantly to the cost and complexity of digital preservation. It is an area where the wider preservation community often needs to make its case with government and other legislators.

‘While a number of legal issues colour contemporary approaches to, and practices of, digital preservation, it is arguable that intellectual property law, represented principally by copyright and its related rights, has been by far the most dominant, and often intractable, influence,’ explained Andrew Charlesworth.

‘It’s essential for those engaging in digital preservation to understand the letter of the law and to be able to identify and implement practical and pragmatic strategies for handling legal risks in the pursuit of preservation objectives. Moreover, those engaging in digital preservation need to advance a coherent and cogent message to rights holders, policymakers and the public with regard to the relationship between intellectual property law and digital preservation.  It is in the long-term interests of all stakeholders that modern intellectual property law permits the implementation of effective and efficient mechanisms of digital preservation.’

This is the third report in the DPC technology watch series to have been commissioned with Charles Beagrie Ltd as series editors.  Five more reports are in  development – on Preservation, Trust and E-Journals; Digital Forensics for Preservation; Preserving Computer Aided Design; Web Archiving; and Preservation Metadata.

The series editors have been further supported by an Editorial Board drawn from DPC members and peer reviewers who have commented on the text prior to release.  The Editorial Board comprises William Kilbride (Chair), Neil Beagrie (Principal Investigator and Managing Editor for the series), Janet Delve (University of Portsmouth), Sarah Higgins (Archives and Records Association), Tim Keefe (Trinity College Dublin), Andrew McHugh (University of Glasgow), Dave Thompson (Wellcome Library)

Access the report online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.7207/twr12-02
Read the whole series online at: http://www.dpconline.org/advice/technology-watch-reports

Digital Preservation Awards 2012 - shortlist announced

The shortist for the Digital Preservation Awards was announced at a reception in the House of Lords on Monday 8th October. 

The shortlist is as follows:

For an outstanding contribution to teaching and communication in digital preservation in the last 2 years:

• The Digital Preservation Training Programme, University of London Computing Centre
• The Signal, Library of Congress
• Keeping Research Data Safe Project, Charles Beagrie Ltd and partners
• Digital Archaeology Exhibition, Story Worldwide Ltd

For an outstanding contribution to research and innovation in digital preservation in the last 2 years:

• Data Management Planning Toolkit, The Digital Curation Centre and partners
• PLANETS Preservation and Long-term Access through Networked Services, The Open Planets Foundation and partners
• TOTEM Trustworthy Online Technical Environment Metadata Registry, University of Portsmouth and partners
• The KEEP Emulation Framework,       Koninklijke Bibliotheek (National Library of the Netherlands) and partners

For the most outstanding contribution to digital preservation in the last decade:

• The International Internet Preservation Consortium
• The National Archives for the PRONOM and DROID services
• The Archaeology Data Service at the University of York
• The PREMIS Preservation Metadata Working Group for the PREMIS Standard

The Digital Preservation Coalition (DPC) marks its landmark tenth year anniversary of its establishment at a reception at the Palace of Westminster today.

At this event, DPC Chairman Richard Ovenden and Lord MacNally, Minister of State for Justice, will celebrate the achievements of the Digital Preservation Coalition over the past ten years, but will also highlight the continuing risk to government, business, educational and cultural organisations and by society at large in failing to address the preservation of digital information. In his speech, Richard Ovenden points to major improvements that have been made in the past ten years but highlights recent studies which show how major data losses continue to be suffered:

• Websites of MPs Robin Cook, Claire Short no longer live
• Website of Woolworths plc and Welsh Language Board both lost
• After one year, 11% web resources shared through social media will be lost

A briefing from the TIMBUS project illustrates how the challenge of reliable access to data is no longer simply a concern for memory institutions or research centres:

• 94% of companies that suffer major data loss incidents go out of business in 2 years
• The global costs of data centre downtime are estimated at $426bn per annum
• Data creation and consumption is diverse in ways which could not have been imagined a decade ago. Mobile devices have started becoming more ubiquitous than power supply. In 2011 the global ‘on network and off-grid’ population reached at 48million – that is mobile phone users who don’t have access to power at home.

The DPC has established a vital network which has encouraged and supported the emergence of national, regional, sectoral and institutional commitments to digital preservation in the UK, Ireland and further afield, and it has empowered the pioneers of digital preservation to endorse the DPC as a reference for institutions’ sharing the vision to secure our digital memory tomorrow. Ten years on the DPC is firmly established as THE authoritative voice in digital preservation in the UK.

Formally established in July 2001 and endorsed at a House of Lords reception in February 2002 the then Chair of the Board of Directors Dame Lynne Brindley, welcomed the DPC’s founding seventeen members. Today the DPC proudly boasts just shy of forty established members. The energy and expertise of its staff and Executive Board has facilitated the hosting of well over sixty digital preservation training events; awarded dozens of scholarships via its Leadership Programme; commissioned leading edge Technology Watch Reports; produced fifty ‘What’s New in Digital Preservation?’ news round ups; has advised and lobbied government and other public sector on policy; is involved in two European Commission-funded initiatives (APARSEN and TIMBUS) and runs the biannual Digital Preservation Awards.

‘The successes of the Coalition in the last decade have been impressive’, notes Richard Ovenden the current chair, ‘and we have come a long way in addressing the challenge set for us in 2002’. But the question of how to ensure long term value from digital data remains problematic. ‘The need for digital preservation is growing in just the same way as the digital domain: in total size, in sheer complexity and in economic importance. ’

‘The question about preserving authentic digital records is not simply one for archives or libraries, explained William Kilbride of the DPC. ‘An article in the Economist recently reported that patent litigation between technology companies in the US was worth $200bn in 2011 - equivalent to 2% of GDP. ‘This may not make you think about digital preservation, until you realise that the best way to defend a court case is to cite authoritative records of innovation.’

‘In other words, digital preservation has vital role in protecting some of the most dynamic and innovative sectors of the economy.’

‘That’s just one example: health care, civil engineering, pensions, the recording industry, care services, research institutes, legal services and many more sectors need to maintain and exploit accurate and authoritative records over an extended period. No wonder that Gartner recently reported that 15% of companies would soon need to employ a digital archivist.’

In his speech, Richard Ovenden will look to the next ten years. He will observe that data is an asset and that preservation creates new opportunities, but only if organisations are clear about their own plans. He will call on organisation to ask five simple questions:

• Do they know which data sets from the last decade are going to be valuable in the next?
• Do they have robust plans for the long-term exploitation to business-critical, high-value data?
• Do they have robust preservation plans to ensure long term access to data?
• How are they going to recruit or train staff with skills in digital preservation needs?
• How can they collaborate more closely to meet the challenge of digital preservation?

Vacancy at TATE: Conservation Technician, Time-Based Media

Conservation Technician, Time-Based Media
Position Type: Permanent, Part Time
Location: London
Salary: UK £20,049 - £22,716 appointment to post will be made at £10,025 pro rata to £20,049
Closing Date: 19th October 2012

Purpose of the Job

To provide technical support for the conservation, preservation and use of Time-based Media (TiBM) artworks in Tate's Collection and Care and to handle prepare and document artworks and their associated components

Main Activities/Responsibilities

 Provide technical expertise for the conservation of artworks in Tate’s Collection and care

• Create and update records for Tate’s Collection Management System (TMS) and Conservation Records.
• Support the acquisition of TiBM artworks through media and equipment checking, sourcing equipment and updating Conservation Records.
• Assist Senior Technicians and Conservators in the preparation and treatment of Time-based media works of art.
• Assist Senior Technicians and Conservators with research and find solutions to technical issues related to the care, preservation and use of artworks.

 Collections Care and Preventive Conservation Activity

• Assist in the long-term preservation and collection care of the TiBM artworks including annual migration.
• Assist in the design and use of long-term collection care procedures, including those for packing, storage, display and installation.
• Assist with preventive conservation activities such as environmental monitoring, integrated pest management and maintenance of artworks.
• Monitor and maintain works of art, equipment and accessories in storage.

Provide technical support for Tate programmes e.g. acquisitions, displays, exhibitions or loans

• Provide accurate time estimates for your activities.
• Organise and deliver technical input on time for agreed projects under supervision from Senior Technicians or Conservators.
• Create display copies and undertake other production activity as required under supervision from a Senior Technician or Conservator.
• Create and document information about TiBM artworks including media, media production and installation specifications with details of equipment and accessories.
• Support workplace activity and implement required Health and Safety measures.

Management, Supervision and Training

• Supervise contractors, interns or trainees as required.
• Contribute to training for Tate staff, interns, and others as required.
• Support the Conservation management team in reviewing, improving and implementing procedures and policies.

Public and Professional Activities

• Develop and update expertise through Continuing Professional Development.
• Share knowledge and expertise with colleagues.

 For more information and a job description, go to: http://workingat.tate.org.uk/pages/job_search_view.aspx?jobId=799&JobIndex=4&categoryList=&workingPatternList=&locations=&group=&keywords=&PageIndex=1&Number=21

Questions? Contact: Lousie Lawson, TATE. email: Louise.Lawson AT tate.org.uk

DPC Awards Three DPTP Scholarships

The Digital Preservation Coalition (DPC) has awarded three scholarships so that members can attend the Digital Preservation Training Programme (DPTP) at the National Library of Ireland, Dublin 2^nd – 3^rd October 2012.

 'This is the eighth time we've offered scholarships to attend DPTP. They're very popular and an increasingly important way for members to supplement their training budgets', explained Richard Ovenden, Chair of the DPC.

The following were selected by a small panel of judges which met to review the applications submitted:

 *Jayne Hutchinson of PRONI

*Beccy Shipman of Leeds University Library

*Eibhlin Roche of The Archives and Records Association

 Applicants were judged against three main criteria: the role that DPTP would play in career development; the benefits to their organisation from attendance and the extent to which the applicant's job profile within the organisation pertains to digital preservation. Applications were open to DPC members and associates.

 William Kilbride, Executive Director of the DPC reflected on the scheme: 'Specialised training in digital preservation is a clear strategic priority, but it's time consuming and expensive to produce. That means training providers take quite a risk when they offer a course like DPTP. By guaranteeing a number of places we reduce that risk. So, although we're not able to fund all the excellent applications we receive, we can still help ensure that the training is offered.'

 The Digital Preservation Training Programme (DPTP) is designed for all those working in institutional information management who are grappling with fundamental issues of digital preservation. It provides the skills and knowledge necessary for institutions to combine organisational and technological perspectives, and devise an appropriate response to the challenges that digital preservation needs present. DPTP is operated and organised by the University of London Computer Centre in collaboration with the DPC.

 The Digital Preservation Coalition (DPC) is a not-for profit membership organisation whose primary objective is to raise awareness of the importance of the preservation of digital material and the attendant strategic, cultural and technological issues. It acts as an enabling and agenda-setting body within the digital preservation world and works to meet this objective through a number of high level goals. Its vision is to make our digital memory accessible tomorrow.

 For more information on the Digital Preservation Training Programme see: http://www.dptp.org/

The deadline is approaching for DPC members to apply for three fully-funded scholarships to attend the Digital Preservation Training Programme at the National Library of Ireland, Dublin, 2nd – 3rd October 2012.  Applications are due by 1200 on Friday 14th September.

The Digital Preservation Training Programme (DPTP) is designed for all those working in institutional information management who are grappling with fundamental issues of digital preservation. It provides the skills and knowledge necessary for institutions to combine organisational and technological perspectives and devise an appropriate response to the challenges that digital preservation needs present. DPTP is operated and organised by the University of London Computer Centre with contributions from invited experts. It is supported by the Digital Preservation Coalition which originally helped to establish the course in 2005. This course is slightly compressed from previous iterations.  Attendance at the Digital Preservation Training Programme costs €530 per person (excluding VAT). However, the Digital Preservation Coalition is pleased to offer three full scholarships which meet the costs of the course.  Applications are welcomed from DPC members and associates. The scholarship covers all tuition fees, course materials, access to online resources, lunch and refreshments.  Travel, accommodation and subsistence are not funded.

This is the eighth time the DPC has offered scholarships to attend the course.  Successful applicants will be asked to help promote the course and the work of the coalition. The DPC has supported a total of thirty five scholarships to attend this course.

• For more details of eligibility and how to apply for this and other scholarships see the DPC Leadership Programme
• For more details of the course including curriculum and venue see the DPTP website

The TIMBUS Project invites DPC members to attend a Training Day on the Preservation of Business Processes ... in association with PASIG 2012, Tuesday, 16 October 2012, Gresham Hotel, Dublin, Ireland 

This full-day event is open to any interested party on a first-come-first serve basis.

• Are you integrating your digital preservation activities with business continuity and enterprise risk management approaches?
• Do you need to preserve more than data?
• Do you hold preserved information about computing environments, dependencies, policies, even process descriptions that are needed to understand your repository contents?

This TIMBUS event will discuss these issues with you.

The TIMBUS project addresses the challenge of digital preservation of business processes and services to ensure their long-term continued access. TIMBUS analyses and recommends which aspects of a business process should be preserved and how to preserve them. It delivers methodologies and tools to capture and formalise business processes on both technical and organisational levels. This includes preservation of their underlying software infrastructure, virtualization of their hardware infrastructure and capture of dependencies on local and third-party services and information. This means that, in addition to technical preservation metadata, it draws on metadata standards that capture business processes, such as BPMN, and is identifying forms of supporting business documentation needed to redeploy processes and services.

The draft agenda is as follows:

To RSVP for this event, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it t
or check the box on the PASIG registration form at http://www.preservationandarchivingsig.org/events/2012/PASIG2012TIMBUS.html if you sign up to Pasig.

Questions can be directed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or Angela Dappert +44 (0) 20 7412 7028.

Please, note that a charge of €40.00 will apply for no-shows or cancellations within 48 hours of the event.

The TIMBUS Project is co-funded by the European Union under FP7 ICT-2009-6 (Grant Agreement no. 269940).

Meeting Hotel
The Gresham Hotel Dublin, 23 Upr. O'Connell St., Dublin 1, Ireland
Hotel Booking: http://secure.gresham-hotels-dublin.com/bookings/specials   

Transport from Dublin Airport
General information: http://www.dublintourist.com/travel_info/dublin_airport/
Note:  the Air Coach stops outside the Gresham Hotel. http://www.aircoach.ie/table.routes.dublin.citycentre.php

What's New - Issue 49, September 2012

In this issue:

• What's On - Forthcoming events from September 2012 onwards
• What's New - New reports and initiatives since the last issue
• Who's Hiring - Job advertisements from DPC members
• What's What - One Small Step, William Kilbride, DPC
• Your View? - Comments and views from readers

What's New is a joint publication of the DPC and DCC

The DPC, with assistance of Charles Beagrie Associates, is delighted to announce that the outline of the 2nd edition of the popular technology Watch Report 'Preservation Metadata' has now been released to members. This report will provide a guide to current developments, practical and emerging issues which organisations are facing in Preservation Metadata. The first edition of this report was published by the DPC in 2005 and although it remains very popular, the topic has changed considerably.   The report is intended for general publication by March 2013 but will be available as a preview to DPC members before that.

• Register or login to the DPC website
• Access the Outline of Preservation Metadata - 2nd Edition [PDF login required]

Vacancy at Archives New Zealand: Digital Preservation Analyst

Digital Preservation Analyst
Position Type: Permanent, Full Time
Location: Wellington, New Zealand
Salary: NZ$81,051 - NZ$109,658
Closing Date: 7th September 2012 (New Zealand Standard Time)

• Key opportunity to mix technical capability with policy and research
• Leading-edge all-of-government programme

Archives New Zealand has a statutory responsibility for the long term storage, preservation and accessibility of digital records.  The Government Digital Archive Programme will transform the way Archives conducts its business, allowing large-scale transfers of digital records and preserving them over the long-term.

You will be tasked with providing business-focused digital preservation strategies for material held within the digital archive and specialist advice in relation to formats and metadata.  You will work with others to research and resolve complex technical issues related to the digital archive, such as format variations, validation and enrichment processes, and preservation risks.  You'll also be involved in the development of Digital Preservation policy, both within Archives and with our collaborative partners, and can expect to be working on a variety of research projects related to the Digital Archive and preservation.  You will work closely with a team which includes analysts, archivists and ingest technicians, and with business staff managing transfers, restrictions and access. This is a busy role in an active programme of work. You'll need excellent communication skills, be an adaptable team player, have previous experience in digital preservation, and a related degree.  In return, you'll get to work on an exciting, All-of-Government digital preservation project, that will change the way New Zealanders interact with Government records. 

For more information and a job description, go to: http://www.bfound.net/detail.aspx?jobId=108628&CoId=164&rq=6 Closing date for applications: 5pm (NZ), Friday 7 September 2012 (ie 5am GMT). Questions? Contact: Laurinda Thomas, Public Sector Digital Continuity Manager on 04 495 6237, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it