Databases Special Interest Group

This online members-only event will be held on the 13th of August at 15:00-16:00 UTC (click for local time).

Following the successful ad hoc meeting and discussion that took place on 19^th June, 2025, we have decided to trial a Databases Special Interest Group (DBSIG) for the forthcoming year (August 25- July26). The launch meeting of DBSIG will take place on 13^th August, and anyone from a DPC Member organization with an interest in the preservation of databases is welcome to attend.

DPC Members will be able to join the group at any time, and a closed mailing list will be set up to enable discussion outside of each meeting and to help facilitate the organization of future meetings.

At the first meeting of DBSIG, we will review the draft Terms of Reference (available here), and then proceed as normal. The proposed agenda for the initial meeting is as follows:

• Welcome and introductions (as necessary)
  Assign volunteer notetaker(s)

• Brief review of the draft Terms of Reference.

• Round table updates from group members (this provides a regular opportunity for group members to update each other on their own progress with database preservation)

• Agenda items (to be added by group members)

• Proposed topics for next meeting (Thursday 11^th September @ 06:00 UTC)

Topics in scope for discussion at DBSIG meetings include:

• Challenges and solutions to preserving databases.

• Seeking help and advice from others.

• Discussing what does (and does not) work when preserving databases.

• Identifying, sharing, and discussing examples of good practice.

• How to manage preserved databases.

• How to work with database owner/creators to get the best preservation outcomes.

• Sharing sources of advice and guidance re. database preservation.

Although meetings will not be recorded, attendees will be encouraged take notes in a shared Google Document which can be accessed by any registered member of DBSIG. 

If you have any questions or suggested topics for future meetings of DBSIG, please email michael.popham@dpconline.org.

Registration (DPC Members, please log in to register)

For this meeting, DPC members can register using the below link (please log in to register):

For future meetings, invites will be sent out through the mailing list. All registrations will be added to the mailing list when it is available.