Digital Preservation at the Library of Birmingham: Digital Preservation and Access

Introduction

As is true for physical archives, in the case of digital archiving preservation and access are two sides of the same coin. The Access chapter in the Digital Preservation Coalition’s Handbook states:

Preserving access to digital objectives is the key objective of digital preservation programmes but requires more active management throughout the lifecycle of the resource before it can be assured

There is little point in preserving digital records if a collecting repository lacks the infrastructure or intention to at least begin making their digital assets accessible.  Various elements of bitstream and lifecycle preservation which help guarantee long-term survival of digital assets have been discussed in previous posts.

This post looks less at more general theoretical and practical aspects of digital preservation and access, and instead looks at some steps I am taking to improve remote access to our digital collections, particularly “born-digital” resources.

Preservica and Access

Over the past two years I have been developing our Preservica digital preservation repository system – around two terabytes of content are now actively managed within the system. Workflows and processes are in place to monitor, integrity check and perform necessary preservation actions, helping guarantee long-term survival of, and therefore access to our digital resources.

Recently, it was decided to soft launch the public front end of our Preservica system. Based on WordPress, Universal Access comprises the user side of the platform. Content is given one of three security tags – “closed”, “open” and “public”. Anything “public” becomes visible and technically discoverable online.

Birmingham Archives and Collections Preservica UA Homepage

Universal Access – where is it, what’s on it?

Our Universal Access page can be found at https://birmingham.access.preservica.com/. You can browse various broad collection types by clicking the link buttons or conduct a basic search of the digital repository. Search functionality is currently limited as we are making a deliberately select batch of content live to begin with, pending feedback and further site development.

NEW: Library of Birmingham Mobile App

Tap Your Way Into The Library With Dozens & Trails…

I’ve been working as part of a small team to create a different and novel way into the Library’s extensive collections and activities, by utilising the latest technology. I’m now happy to announce that it’s launched today! Dozens and Trails is the name of our app and it’s been developed for smartphones and iPads. As the name suggests, there are two distinct facets to this app:

Dozens are visual highlights of cherry-picked selections of 12 favourites, personal interests, or recommendations from Birmingham’s library staff and partners. From the extraordinary to the bizarre, we hope to offer a new perspective on old things and bring the unexpected to light. Designed to be browsable on-the-go, Dozens offer bite-size portions of Birmingham’s wonderful collections. Waiting to be discovered in the first 12 Dozens are The Attack of the Midges, Buffalo Bill on New Street, Coffins on Trains, Dicky Bird Land, Gimblets and Augers, the Mankiest Monster, Revolutionary Opera, Wanted posters, and the first TV licence issued in Birmingham. You will also discover how Outreach work is connected to pigeons, meet The REP‘s Drama Queens, and learn about the 1903 mystery of a revolver, a death, and a Handsworth librarian.

The Library Takes Its Collections To The Streets…

Trails similarly showcase 12 articles, but this time they are collected together in theme-based tours of illustrated sites mapped around the city. You can explore the city’s rich cultural history of innovators, benefactors and radical thinkers, on foot or at home. Trails show how the everyday urban landscape has stories embedded in its walls and spaces. Birmingham’s past is revealed in the first 3 Trails through key sites associated with Antislavery campaigners, the fight for The Right to Vote, and how and where you could live in Birmingham on Sixpence a Day. The app’s interactive maps will also help you find your way around these walking tours.

Content Will Be Refreshed And Will Grow…

From the city to the suburbs, staff and partners will continue to share their enthusiasm for all manner of subjects and their wide-ranging knowledge. Similar in style to a magazine, this will be on a regular basis, as additional Dozens and Trails are released on the app.

Download Our App For FREE…

Produced by Substrakt, the app is now available for Android, iPhone, and iPad. Visit dozensandtrails.com for direct links to downloads, or search for  Dozens and Trails in the App Store or Google Play.

Looking Forward To New Development…

We have already started work with Substrakt on planning Version 2.0, as we want to add even more features and improvements to the app. I would therefore really like to hear your ideas for what you’d like to see in the next version…

Brigitte Winsor,
Digital Content Editor