Digital preservation in Brazilian higher education institutions: characteristics, strategies and policies

Abstract

The main aspects, strategies and policies related to the digital preservation in the superior teaching institutions in Brazil are analyzed. In this setting, there are new threats and challenges to be faced, such as: hardware, software, advances in technologies of access to digital information, the amount of digital information, changes in the format of files, the lack of a preservation culture, the high cost for the actions of digital information preservation. The following aspects were observed to affect digital preservation: the goals of the institution, model, responsibilities, financial resources, selection, copyrights, authenticity, technological infrastructure, digital repositories, multidisciplinary team, preservation strategies, support, metadata, legislations and specific laws, preservation policies. Since digital preservation is directly related to new information and communication technologies, any policy or strategy must be dynamic and reviewed periodically in order to follow the constant changes and advances of these technologies. It is concluded that the digital preservation should be added to the strategic objectives of the institution, with addequate administrative organization, financial resources, specialized multidisciplinary team, and technological resources; and that it should be part of any information technology project.