Library of Congress Keeps Moving Forward

Twenty-one states are joining the Library of Congress’s National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program (NDIIPP) in an initiative to facilitate collaborative efforts to preserve important state government information in digital form.

In a recent press release, the LOC described how "states face formidable challenges in caring for digital records with long-term legal and historical value. A series of Library-sponsored workshops held in 2005 and involving all states revealed that the large majority of states lack the resources to ensure that the information they produce in digital form only, such as legislative records, court case files and executive agency records, is preserved for long-term access. The workshops made clear that much state government digital information—including content useful to Congress and other policymakers—is at risk of loss if it is not now saved."

Four major projects are currently underway:

"Persistent Digital Archives and Library System" by the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records. Content will include digital publications, agency records and court records. States working in this project are Arizona, Florida, New York and Wisconsin.

"A Model Technological and Social Architecture for the Preservation of State Government Digital Information" by the Minnesota Historical Society. The project will work with legislatures in several states to explore enhanced access to legislative digital records. Content will include bills, committee reports, floor proceedings and other legislative materials. States working in this project are Minnesota, California, Kansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Illinois and Vermont.

"Multistate Geospatial Content Transfer and Archival Demonstration" by the North Carolina Center for Geographic Information and Analysis. Work will focus on replicating large volumes of geospatial data among several states to promote preservation and access. Content will include state and local geospatial data. States working in this project are North Carolina, Utah and Kentucky.

"Multistate Preservation Consortium" by the Washington State Archives. It will use its advanced digital archives framework to implement a centralized regional repository for state and local digital information. Content will include vital records, land ownership and use documentation, court records and Web-based state and local government reports. States working in this project are Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, California and Louisiana.

"The Library of Congress is eager to welcome state partners in our growing digital preservation network," said Associate Librarian for Strategic Initiatives Laura E. Campbell, who is leading NDIIPP for the Library of Congress. "These projects will help ensure long-term access to critical information for both Congress and the American people."

For more information on The Library of Congress' Digital Preservation Initiatives visit http://www.digitalpreservation.gov/