17 June 2005

A growing number of individuals and organisations in the UK are in support of cultural digitisation, a process intended to make more museum, library and archive collections accessible across the Internet.

This is according to the results of a recent survey conducted by the Museums, Libraries and Archives council (MLA) in collaboration with the Digital Preservation Coalition (DPC).

The survey looked at non-national museums, libraries and archives in the North East and West Midlands and discovered that there are over 80 digitisation projects currently in place.

Chris Batt, MLA chief executive, said to eGov Monitor: "Digitisation of collections has significantly improved public access.

"This report will help us all to develop more effective policies for management of the collections that define the knowledge sector and will assist us in lobbying for adequate funding to secure for the future the nation's investment in digital resources."

However, the report has also revealed that disconcertingly 90 per cent of the digitisation projects are currently externally funded which raises doubt as to their long-term, sustainable maintenance.

"The results of the survey serve as a wake up call to all institutions," said Lynne Brindley, chairman of the DPC. "The current investment in digitisation will be wasted if we cannot provide sustainable levels of access for the long term.

"The survey provides valuable evidence for the importance of the DPC and the MLA council working together to develop a national policy that will ensure that digital preservation is embedded in funding streams as we move towards a fully digital economy and e-society."

Other key findings from the research included the need for raised awareness on the whole issue of digital preservation, calls for advice on a range of digital preservation issues for various institutions and the need for improved long term corporate management and planning of digital material.© DeHavilland Information Services plc


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