Digitizing the Archive, pt.2

In my last blog post, we looked at the advantages of the digital archive. However, this type of archive is not without its challenges.

One of the biggest concerns is technological obsolescence. As technology continues to evolve, formats that are common today can quickly become outdated.

For example, files stored on now-obsolete formats like floppy disks or VHS tapes can be difficult or impossible to access without specialized equipment.

Archivists must continually migrate digital files to newer formats to ensure that future generations will be able to access them—a process that requires significant resources and foresight.

Furthermore, the digital world is not immune to failure. Hard drives can malfunction, files can become corrupted, and even cloud storage is vulnerable to data breaches or server outages. Without proper backups, an entire digital archive could disappear in an instant, making data security and redundancy crucial components of any digital preservation strategy. Constant maintenance is necessary to prevent the loss or corruption of digital data, and this can be both time-consuming and costly.

The face of digital archives- in a sense. With the reliance on cloud storage, are our files really safe? Should we rely on 3rd parties for our cultural preservation?

Another glaring issue with cloud storage is the lack of ownership of the actual storage. Companies like Dropbox, Google Drive, and iCloud are a great option for digital cloud storage, but can but can also pose risks. Users are essentially renting space on these platforms, meaning they are subject to the terms and conditions set by the service providers. This can include limitations on file size, unexpected changes in pricing, or even account suspensions.

Additionally, users have no control over the physical servers where their data is stored, raising concerns about privacy and security.

If a company decides to discontinue its services or suffers a major breach, users may lose access to their data altogether.

Therefore, relying solely on third-party cloud providers without additional backups can leave digital archives vulnerable to irretrievable loss.

In contrast, physical archives offer a sense of permanence and tangibility that digital archives cannot replicate. There is something profound about holding a historical document or standing in front of an original artwork.

Physical objects connect us to the past in a way that digital files, no matter how high-resolution, simply cannot. Yet, the downside of physical archives is their susceptibility to damage from environmental factors like humidity, temperature changes, or natural disasters. Additionally, physical works are often subject to the inevitable wear and tear of time.

Ultimately, both digital and physical archives have their place in the art of preservation.

Digital archives offer unmatched accessibility, searchability, and preservation potential, but they require careful management to avoid obsolescence and data loss.

Physical archives provide a tangible connection to the past but come with the challenges of space, maintenance, and degradation.

A hybrid approach, incorporating the best of both worlds, might be the most effective way to ensure that valuable collections are preserved for future generations.