Digital Archive Developments

RCAHMS, like a growing number of heritage organisations, is increasingly moving towards digital recording methods and now regularly receives archives containing digital files from external depositors. The aim is to build our own secure digital archive that will meet with emerging international standards.

Digital Archiving Issues

Digital files bring a range of new problems for us to face if they are to be preserved in the long term. These issues include:

• Security
• Obsolete formats, software and storage devices
• Hardware failures 
  

Our Digital Archive

At RCAHMS we are developing the digital archive with best practice in mind. Some of the areas in which we are carrying out work are listed below:

• Ongoing investigation of international best practice and consultation with organisations such as the Digital Curation Centre
• Production of robust standards for the digital component of our recording activities
• Creation of policies and procedures for the deposit of digital material with us
• Development of technological solutions for the preservation of digital files