Making the case for digital preservation can be difficult, especially when priorities compete and time is limited.
In response to member needs, the Digital Preservation Coalition (DPC) has launched its new Digital Preservation Advocacy Toolkit, a practical, community‑driven resource designed to support those with responsibility for digital materials in making a compelling case for digital preservation within their organisations.
The Toolkit has been created for use across all sectors, from government and cultural heritage to healthcare, finance, higher education, research and industry. By aligning digital preservation with organisational priorities such as compliance, risk, innovation and efficiency, it helps practitioners position their work in ways that resonate with decision makers.
As digital preservation becomes increasingly central to organisational resilience and long-term success, the need for effective advocacy has never been greater, and has become a core competency for the community. The Toolkit helps to align preservation with strategic goals, and build robust, evidence-based cases for action.
Launched today alongside complementary Novice to Know-How online training modules, the Toolkit brings together templates, examples and step-by-step guidance to help users plan advocacy activities, engage stakeholders and secure meaningful support. Developed by DPC members, it reflects the growing complexity of the field and the increasing need for practitioners to influence decision making and drive change.
“Across our community, we consistently hear that constantly having to make the case for digital preservation can feel overwhelming and that without the right support, advocacy is a source of stress, a burden, and in some cases a contributor to professional burnout,” said Sarah Middleton, Chief Community Officer for the Digital Preservation Coalition.
“This Toolkit is designed to give practitioners the structure, confidence and practical tools to support their advocacy work, creating a clear, compelling case for action. By bringing together the experience of our global DPC community and sharing these experiences, we are not only supporting individuals, we are strengthening our collective voice. Together, we can support each other to make a real and lasting impact on awareness, understanding, and investment in digital preservation.”
Designed to be used, not read cover to cover, the Toolkit offers flexible, ready-to-adapt resources that can be applied immediately, whether starting a conversation, presenting an ‘ask’, preparing a business case, briefing senior leaders, or building long-term organisational awareness.
Together with DPC training and community support, the Toolkit provides a practical foundation for more confident, effective advocacy, helping organisations everywhere recognise and act on the importance of digital preservation.
The DPC is an international charitable foundation which supports digital preservation, helping its members around the world to deliver resilient long-term access to digital content and services through community engagement, targeted advocacy work like this, training and workforce development, capacity building, good practice and standards, tailored support and consultancy, and through good management and governance. Its vision is a secure digital legacy.