The Digital Preservation Coalition (DPC) welcomes the University of Sydney Library this week, as they become the Coalition’s newest Associate member.
The Library was an early adopter of digital collections which has resulted in a continuously growing collection of digitised content with a particular focus on the Library’s Rare Books and Special Collections. The Library also manages university research outputs, research data and Higher Degree by Research theses through the institutional repository, Sydney eScholarship. The growing number of digitised and born-digital items in the Library’s collection has spurred the need to consider strategic digital preservation initiatives.
“As the custodian of digital content dating back to the 1990s, the University of Sydney Library is committed to ensuring the longevity of the legacy that is held within our digital collections,” explains Lisa McIntosh, Interim University Librarian for the University of Sydney.
“Partnering with the DPC and its members, both nationally and internationally, will enable us to foster our own digital preservation capabilities while contributing to a community of practice that will benefit ourselves and potentially other Australasian and international organisations.”
The University of Sydney joins the Coalition as the DPC opens a new office at the University of Melbourne. The DPC’s presence in Australia will enable improved access to the DPC’s programme of activities for members and digital preservation practitioners across the southern hemisphere; helping support, represent and amplify the work of a very active digital preservation community in the region, as well as assisting institutions at all stages of maturity in the digital preservation journey.
Juan Bicarregui, Chair of the DPC Board and Head of Data Division for UKRI-STFC welcomed the news saying: “This new membership comes at a time when the DPC is working hard to enhance its impact around the world. We recognise digital preservation as a global challenge and are seeking to build a coalition which is scaled to the challenge.”
“The University of Sydney joins an active and dynamic group of DPC Members in Australasia, and we are very excited about working with them to support a community of practice for digital preservation in the region.”
The University of Sydney joins the DPC’s new Stakeholder Group, formed as part of its governance structure with the opening of the DPC's Office in Melbourne. The Stakeholder Group will ensure that Members in Australia, New Zealand and surrounding areas inform the development of the DPC’s program in the region and have input to the broader strategic direction of the Coalition.
The not-for-profit DPC is an international advocate for digital preservation, helping members around the world to deliver resilient long-term access to digital content and services through community engagement, targeted advocacy work, training and workforce development, capacity building, good practice and standards, and through good management and governance. Its vision is a secure digital legacy.
Any Australasian organisation that joins the DPC through the Melbourne office, before 31st July 2020 may benefit from an additional 10% discount (when taking out three-year membership).
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