use of electronic materials

Electronic (both magnetic and optical) media are pretty ephemeral, much more so than paper or other traditional formats. Periodic review and copying prior to loss of the data is the primary solution. This entails maintaining access to hardware and software in compatible versions needed to assess and duplicate the data being preserved, even if it changes formats over time. The issues of periodic dulpication, and format conversion have significant copyright implications and I would hope that these would come to light as preservation is discussed.

___Jeremy Rowe                         602-965-6375
   University Libraries/Media Systems  602-965-3481 FAX
   Arizona State University            ISPJXR[_at_]ASUACAD
   Tempe, AZ 85287-1905                ISPJXR[_at_]ASUVM.INRE.ASU.ED