A Foundation for Developing Digital Preservation Policy: The InterPARES Policy Framework

The InterPARES 2 project(2001-2006)is an international research collaboration on long-term digital preservation and the world largest project of its kind.It brought together 100 researchers from 21 countries,who joined the project with their respective disciplinary expertise,and a large number of graduate research assistants,who contributed to various kinds of research activities.By investigating cases in complex digital environment,where digital information is generated and used to support the conduct of artistic,scientific,and governmental activities,the project has developed both theoretical and methodological knowledge essential to effective preservation of reliable,accurate,and authentic digital records.The InterPARES policy framework,which contains two sets of complementary principles,is one of the core products of the project.It provides a sound foundation on which preservation policies and procedures can be formulated.Although it is produced based on research examining digital records,for which archival institutions are usually the legitimate preservers,some of them are applicable to other types of digital information such as digital publications,which libraries are charged to maintain.It is believed that the exchange of research findings between libraries and archival institutions-the two major players in the field of digital preservation-will facilitate the preservation of societal documentary heritage and ensure the collective accountability of the memoy profession.