Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, University of Qom, Qom, Iran
2 M.Sc. of Knowledge and Information Science, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
3 M.Sc. of Knowledge and Information Science, University of Qom, Qom, Iran
Abstract
Introduction
The management of digital resources in national libraries involves significant challenges, particularly in selecting, maintaining, and ensuring long-term accessibility. A crucial element in this process is the storage format of digital resources, which directly affects both the preservation of materials and their usability over time. Below are key reasons why the choice of resource storage formats is important for national libraries:
Long-Term Preservation: National libraries manage vast collections of digital materials, from texts to multimedia resources. Choosing a storage format that ensures long-term preservation is essential to prevent data loss over time due to format obsolescence. National Libraries often face challenges of format obsolescence. The right choice of format can minimize the need for complex emulation or migration strategies, which are resource-intensive.
Interoperability and Accessibility: Digital collections in national libraries need to be accessible across various platforms, devices, and operating systems. International standards and guidelines, such as those from the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), guide the choice of formats that facilitate interoperability. Adopting these standards ensures that digital resources are accessible not only to national users but also internationally. This is especially important for cultural heritage materials that may be used globally.
Efficiency in Storage and Retrieval: When dealing with large-scale collections, efficient storage formats help minimize infrastructure costs. The speed at which data can be retrieved from a storage system is influenced by the format of the resources. Formats that are optimized for efficient access improve search and retrieval times, facilitating quick access to resources for users.
Metadata Preservation and Integration: National libraries depend heavily on metadata to ensure that digital objects are easily discoverable and appropriately categorized. Standardized formats are crucial for integrating digital collections with national library cataloging systems and facilitating interoperability between different systems. National libraries must ensure that the digital resources they store are secure and protected from corruption.
User Experience and Engagement: National libraries serve diverse audiences, ranging from academic researchers to the general public. Formats that are easily navigable (e.g., HTML or EPUB for e-books) improve user engagement and accessibility. Interactive or multimedia content (e.g., video, audio) in open formats can provide richer, more engaging experiences. Formats like Unicode-based text formats (e.g., UTF-8) allow for the preservation of multiple languages and scripts, making national library collections accessible to diverse communities, including those with specific linguistic or cultural needs.
Legal and Copyright Considerations: Formats may also play a role in how digital rights and licensing information are embedded and protected. Open formats allow for the inclusion of rights management information without reliance on proprietary systems, ensuring proper management of copyrighted materials. The use of appropriate formats for the digital storage of copyrighted content can aid in enforcing digital rights management (DRM) policies. Formats like encrypted PDF or DRM-protected EPUB help libraries protect content according to legal guidelines.
Cost-Effectiveness: Choosing the right storage formats can have a significant impact on cost management for national libraries. Open-source and standardized formats tend to be cost-effective compared to proprietary systems that may involve licensing fees, additional maintenance costs, or vendor lock-in. National Libraries must invest in ensuring the longevity and accessibility of their digital collections. By choosing widely accepted formats with strong community support, national libraries can reduce ongoing maintenance and conversion costs associated with less popular or proprietary formats.
So, the importance of selecting the right resource storage formats in national libraries cannot be overstated. A well-chosen format ensures the long-term preservation, accessibility, and efficient management of digital collections. It also contributes to the overall mission of national libraries to serve as custodians of cultural heritage, making materials accessible to a global audience while protecting them for future generations. Standardized, open, and widely supported formats are crucial in meeting these objectives, enabling national libraries to optimize their digital storage solutions while maintaining flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.
Literature Review
The results of Sullivan (2006), Thomas & Martin (2006), Hodge & Anderson (2007), Rog & Van Wijk (2008), Van der Knijff (2011), Barabucci & et al (2011), Morrissey (2012), Hajtnik (2012), Jackson (2012), Koo & Chou(2013), Rimkus & et al(2014), Uherek & et al (2015), Termens & et al (2015), Delaney & De Jong(2015), Baratè & et al (2015), Rimkus & Witmer (2016), Anyim (2021), Trianggoro & Prasetyadi (2022) research showed selecting the right format and storage standard for digital collections is a multi-faceted decision that balances accessibility, preservation, interoperability, and user experience. Ensuring that digital collections are presented in a way that aligns with these standards maximizes their utility and longevity. It highlights that while digital libraries have evolved from physical spaces, the principles and practices of resource storage have undergone significant changes. Previous research has addressed these issues, but often as sub-components rather than focusing on them comprehensively. The review indicates that long-term preservation and storage have not been fully explored in the literature.This research aims to identify successful national solutions for preserving and storing resources effectively in digital libraries. In essence, the study seeks to provide a more integrated approach to addressing storage and preservation issues in digital libraries, taking into account both the technological and organizational practices in use today. This effort is important for ensuring that digital resources remain accessible and usable over time, despite the challenges posed by rapid technological change and shifting formats.
Methodology
This article identifies the use of a variety of standard formats for storing video, text, multimedia, and audio resources in the digital collections of 20 selected national libraries around the world. This study is applied, based on the descriptive-analytical method. For data collection, we used a researcher-made questionnaire. After collecting data, a variety of descriptive statistical techniques such as frequency distribution and frequency percentage and Chi-square test were used to analyze the data.
Results
Based on the results, it was found that image sources were used in all studied collections and cultural objects were less popular with a share of 41%, for TIFF image sources (94%); HTML and XML text sources (75%); WAV audio sources (65%) and AVI multimedia sources (65%) were the most common. Switzerland had the greatest variety in the use of a variety of standards. Also, among the research community, Iran, Britain, the United States, Scotland, Qatar, the Netherlands, France, and Spain had the greatest diversity in storing a variety of digital resources. The statistical community was consistent in using standard formats for a variety of visual, textual, and multimedia resources and followed a similar pattern in selecting storage formats.
Conclusion
The research community had the least amount of diversity of use in the field of multimedia resource storage. Research findings emphasize the use of EPUB for ease of reading books on e-readers, and GP3 was recommended to increase the usability of the mobile version of the digital library, WARC as a special format for web archiving, for long-term protection of digital content of national libraries, because these three formats had the lowest usage in the statistical community.
Acknowledgments
The authors are grateful to Michael Day (Digital Preservation Research Lead) at the National Library of Great Britain for her guidance and sharing of scholarly expertise.
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