Preservation vs. Access
The difference between preserving something and making something accessible to the public is important for communities to consider when managing digital files.
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Preservation Storage
Why?
We want to keep this item for a long time.
What is it?
Preservation storage is storage for appraised content. “Appraised” means you’ve reviewed the files and selected only what you want to keep forever. It makes sure files you want to keep forever remain stored, healthy, and unchanged.
How is it done?
Preservation storage tries to follow the “3-2-1” rule: Create three copies, on two types of devices, one of which is distributed. Ideally, it also monitors files for deterioration or changes.
Access Storage
Why?
We want to ensure that people are able to ongoingly see or use this.
What is it?
Access storage is storage for files that don’t need to be kept forever. It is also used for sharing, publishing, or presenting content so that it can be searched, browsed, viewed, or used. Content here will be edited, moved, or deleted.
How is it done?
Access to sharable digital content can be provided in a number of ways. Services like Google Drive or DropBox can allow you edit and share files more widely. Physical or online exhibitions, databases, websites, and social media platforms allow you to publish, share, or display files.