Recognizing Digitization as a Preservation Reformatting Method.

This section reprints the article Recognizing Digitization as a Preservation Reformatting Method, by Kathleen Arthur, Sherry Byrne, Elisabeth Long, Carla Q. Montori and Judith Nadler, which was originally released in June 2004. The challenges of preserving collections have been addressed in different ways over time. Over the past several years, libraries have moved towards using digitization as an additional method for reformatting endangered and fragile paper-based materials to both preserve and provide access to library collections. The Association of Research Libraries endorses digitization as an accepted preservation reformatting option for a range of materials. The association encourages its members and others engaged in digital reformatting and those interested in initiating these activities to make an organizational and economic commitment to adhere to accepted standard and best practices, and to establish policies and the capacity to maintain digital products for the long-term. The association calls on the community of federal grant agencies, private foundations, and grants reviewers and panelists to give equal support to proposals that incorporate digital reformatting for preservation when these conditions are met.