Monday, August 8, 2011

When Data Disappears



from The New York Times




An interesting article which challenges the idea and approach of most preservation efforts as an after-thought, which is showing up the inherent inadequacies of traditional preservation thinking in the realm of "digital preservation". In fact, the writer, Kari Kraus, is advocating that:
"We must replace digital preservation with digital curation."

This is a clear recognition that preservation efforts are based on values and judgement — what to keep; what to preserve; to what extend. Not only in the field of digital preservation but in all areas of preservation and conservation.




To sweep conservation and preservation decision-making processes behind a supposedly "value-free" approach is to deny and distort the underlying motivations and difficulties of preservation work. We and future generations to come will be the poorer for it.




go to article
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