It was suggested that print-outs of digital resources could be archived. However, this would not take in the features of information resources which are purely digital in nature, e.g. hyperlinks. It was also noted that digital resources can be static or dynamic. The Web sites of Y2K US Presidential candidates are an example of the latter. These will be important resources for scholars in the future, the authenticity of which also needs to be preserved.
Software exists which takes snapshots of the visible Web, but that is only one part of the process.
The issue of responsibility for archiving was discussed. RLG is currently working on guidelines to define what constitutes a digital archive and standards. It was noted that a 3rd party, rather than either libraries or publishers, should be the lead body. There has been much speculation as to whether the 'traditional' journal will survive in its existing format, i.e. as a collection of articles brought together by a subject specialist editor. Increasingly, more databases are being launched with excellent search facilities.