Together they represent a synthesis of work to date on digital preservation and point directions toward the development of robust preservation strategies. The position paper intended for presentation at the workshop will outline the framework and the implementation guidelines, and recommend its further development as a standard. The use of computers is changing forever the way information is being created, managed and accessed. At the same time the great advantages of digital information are coupled with the enormous fragility of this medium over time compared to traditional media such as paper. The experience of addressing the Year 2000 issue in existing software systems, or data losses through poor management of digital data are beginning to raise awareness of the issues.
Electronic information is fragile and evanescent.
The cost structure for securing the cultural and intellectual work of the digital age will be notable and has to be built in at the beginning if these costs are to be minimised and that investment effectively applied. There will be many stakeholders and interests in a digital resource over a period of time. A strategic approach is needed to recognise, address, and co-ordinate these interests and secure the future of digital resources. The framework elaborated by this study provides strategic guidance to stakeholders involved with digital resources at various stages of their life cycle. Although its aim is to facilitate awareness about practices which may enhance the prospects for and reduce the cost of digital preservation, it is useful for anyone involved in the creation, management, and use of digital resources.