of digital-born media
does not exist outside
of bits and bytes. It is
fragile. This fragility will
pose new problems for
future generations of
digital archaeologists.
Professional archivists
of today make an effort
to ensure success for
future treasure hunters. They study the
digital equivalent to the
conditions that allowed
the Dead Sea Scrolls
to survive. Some of
today’s professionals
delve into the type of
computer code, file formats, electronic storage devices, meta data
and duplicate records
used for communication. The goal for contemporary digital preservationists: make sure
digital media is interpretable in the indefinite future. The value
of rare books, newspapers,
magazines,
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