UC3 Strategy for Digital Preservation
At the core of our digital preservation efforts is an institutional commitment that transcends mere technology. We are not just about storing data; we are about preserving the essence and integrity of digital scholarship. Our team is dedicated to providing expert advice, consultation, and support, guiding content creators through the nuances of digital preservation and ensuring that their legacies endure. Through the Merritt Digital Preservation Repository, we ensure the longevity and accessibility of scholarly and cultural content for future generations.
Addressing the Spectrum of Preservation Challenges
We recognize that digital preservation is not just about combating bit rot or human error. It encompasses a broader spectrum of challenges, from ensuring the use of preservation-ready formats and adequate documentation to safeguarding against malware and verifying authenticity. Merritt is designed as a foundational tool in a larger ecosystem of digital curation, where it serves as a reliable repository while acknowledging the need for complementary tools and services to address the full range of digital preservation challenges.
Our Vision for the Future
We envision Merritt not just as a repository but as a cornerstone of a comprehensive digital preservation strategy that integrates with a broader ecosystem of tools and services. Our goal is to enhance Merritt’s capabilities, offering more insightful reporting features, enhancing metadata management, and exploring innovative functionalities that can further support the preservation community.
Leveraging Technology for Preservation
Our approaches to digital preservation employ advanced technologies and methodologies. Designed for scalability, Merritt effortlessly manages extensive data collections, providing creators with control over access—ranging from public dissemination to restricted viewing—to safeguard sensitive information. Moreover, Merritt offers a user-friendly interface and a comprehensive API, ensuring smooth integration with various workflows and enabling automated content submissions, making it a versatile tool in UC’s digital preservation toolkit.
Affordability and Accessibility
Our commitment extends to ensuring the affordability of digital preservation. By absorbing development and operational costs, we charge only for storage, constantly seeking the most economical storage solutions without compromising the quality of service. This approach makes digital preservation accessible to a broad spectrum of UC projects.
Expanding Collaborations
- System-Wide Strategy Discussions: We are initiating and participating in strategic discussions that span across the entire UC system, aiming to harmonize digital preservation efforts and share best practices.
- External Partnerships: Recognizing the value of external expertise and resources, we are seeking partnerships with organizations such as Dryad and international institutions like the Palestinian Museum, aiming to enrich our digital preservation strategies and extend our impact globally.
Our Path Forward
Digital preservation is a collective responsibility and an ongoing journey. Through Merritt, UC3, and CDL are committed to leading the way, embracing both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Let us unite in our dedication to preserving the digital legacy of our time, ensuring it remains accessible, interpretable, and useable for future generations.