The Digital Preservation Coalition (DPC) is delighted to share its new program of activities for 2025–2026. The prospectus is the DPC’s roadmap for the year ahead - an ambitious, community-driven plan which outlines upcoming publications, training opportunities, webinars, specialist briefings and a wealth of supporting resources. Shaped by the evolving needs of DPC members, it is designed to empower and support the global digital preservation community. Accessible in multiple languages and time zones, the program ensures that no matter their location, members of the digital preservation community can stay informed, connected, and equipped for the challenges ahead.
“By uniting institutions from a rich diversity of sectors, domains, and countries, we’re building a powerful, collective community of digital preservation practice,” says Sarah Middleton, Chief Community Officer for the DPC. “Our goal is to equip the global community with the tools, resources, support, and skills needed to safeguard our digital memory for the long term.
With the DPC now firmly established in the Americas, Australasia and the Asia-Pacific region, and with 178 members across 26 countries, this new prospectus represents a strong, global commitment. It introduces a regular program of thematic and recurring events tailored to time zones across Australasia and Asia-Pacific, Europe and Africa, and the Americas - ensuring that knowledge, expertise, and opportunity are accessible to all, wherever they are in the world.”
Global Connections, Local Impact
A standout feature of the year ahead is the return of the DPC Members Fora and Networking Event series, now taking place in person across three continents: Australasia, Europe, and the Americas. These vibrant gatherings will offer members a unique opportunity to connect with peers, share insights, and showcase their work through fast-paced, member-led talks and discussions.
New Tools for an Evolving Digital Preservation Community
This year also brings the launch of the Carbon Footprint Toolkit, a timely and practical resource to help organizations assess and reduce the environmental impact of their digital preservation activities. In parallel, a new Task Force on Indigenous Cultural Material will convene members across Australasia and the Asia-Pacific to explore respectful, community-led approaches to managing digital Indigenous heritage, in partnership with traditional owners and custodians.
Fresh Formats, Deeper Engagement
To foster even stronger connections across the community, the DPC is introducing two new initiatives:
-
Meet the Members– a quarterly session spotlighting the people and projects behind DPC membership.
-
Digital Preservation Downloaded– a compelling interview series featuring digital preservation pioneers who share the lessons they’ve learned and the advice they wish they’d had when starting out.
Timely Topics, Global Reach
A rich program of online events will span time zones and tackle pressing issues including Disaster Planning, Preserving E-Publications, Working with Floppy Disks, Cybersecurity and The Environmental Impact of Digital Preservation.
These sessions will be complemented by an expanded range of task forces and working groups, offering focused peer support on specialized topics.
Campaigns and Community Action
On World Digital Preservation Day, 6 November 2025, the DPC will launch Why Preserve? - a global campaign inviting practitioners to reflect on their motivations, share their stories, and turn those insights into powerful advocacy messages. The day will also see the release of an updated Global Bit List of Endangered Digital Species, spotlighting the digital materials most at risk of loss.
Insightful Publications and Practical Guidance
The DPC’s popular and accessible Technology Watch Reports will continue to provide authoritative guidance on emerging challenges, with upcoming reports on: Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and Disaster Planning. While a refreshed Executive Guide on Digital Preservation will also be released as part of a new Advocacy Toolkit, helping members make the case for digital preservation within their organizations.
Training for All Levels
The DPC remains committed to building capacity across the community. The popular Novice to Know-How training - developed with support from The National Archives (UK) - will continue to be offered free of charge, with modules on email preservation and digital asset registers. New courses in development include Preserving E-Publications and Getting Started with Advocacy for Digital Preservation.
Benchmarking and Strategic Planning
The DPC encourages all organizations to use the Rapid Assessment Model annually to benchmark their digital preservation maturity. This flexible maturity modelling tool supports internal advocacy and strategic planning, with anonymized results contributing to a broader sector-wide picture.
Tailored Support and Expert Advice
Full Members benefit from personalized support and priority access to all DPC events and publications. Associate Members and the wider community can also access expert consultancy services on a paid basis, ensuring that help is available to all who need it.
As an international charitable foundation, the DPC exists to help its members deliver resilient, long-term access to digital content and services. Through advocacy, training, community building, and expert guidance, the DPC is working toward a shared vision: a secure digital legacy for all.