media used for physical storage are typically unstable and liable to short-term deterioration.

Preservation requires a succession of data transfers from one physical carrier to another.

Despite this shift in focus from the physical object to a conceptual object inherent in digital
preservation, it must never be forgotten that digital objects cannot survive without some kind
of appropriate physical form.

The logical encoding normally has a much longer life than any particular physical inscription,
but it is by no means sacrosanct. As the layers of technology used for access hardware such
as computer processors, disk drives and peripheral equipment, and many layers of software
such as operating systems, specific applications, and presentation tools - become obsolete, it
may be necessary to change the logical encoding so that it can present the same conceptual
object using different technology.

The conceptual object is the ultimate focus of preservation concern; as noted above, it is at
this level that digital objects convey meaning to human users.

However, for most digital objects there is a further layer that must be considered. Many
objects consist of several elements, some of which are more important than others in carrying
the objects essential message. Preservation programmes have to decide which sub-set of
elements should be preserved for re-presentation to users.

7.6 Strategies for preserving digital materials

Digital preservation involves choosing and implementing an evolving range of strategies to
achieve the kind of accessibility discussed above, addressing the preservation needs of the
different layers of digital objects. The strategies include:
Working with producers (creators and distributors) to apply standards that will prolong
the effective life of the available means of access and reduce the range of unknown
problems that must be managed
Recognising that it is not practical to try to preserve everything, selecting what
material should be preserved
Placing the material in a safe place
Controlling material, using structured metadata and other documentation to facilitate
access and to support all preservation process
Protecting the integrity and identity of data
Choosing appropriate means of providing access in the face of technological change
Managing preservation programmes to achieve their goals in cost-effective, timely,
holistic, proactive and accountable ways.

REFERENCES where to look for more information

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