Digitization for preservation or digital preservation?
We hear more and more the word "digitization" in libraries and archives. But what does it actually mean? Does it mean that once a material is digitized there is a preservation policy for its sustainability? Or does it mean that once it has been digitized files are kept either on the web or on a drive, somewhere "safe"? The two are actually quite different things.
Digitization for preservation consist of activities that result in the creation of digital objects worthy of long-term preservation, including selection, image capture, description, and compilation for delivery.
Digital preservation is a set of actions that includes, strategies and policies that aim to keep digital content accessible in the long run. Digital preservation establishes a preventive set of actions that intend to minimize any risks of media failure or technological challenge.
Illustration by Jørgen Stamp digitalbevaring.dk CC BY 2.5 Denmark