The Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries have strengthened their commitment to preserving cultural heritage by joining the Digital Preservation Coalition, a prestigious U.K.-based nonprofit that works with global partners to facilitate long-term digital preservation solutions. The Heard Libraries are one of only six organizations in the U.S. that are full members, including the Library of Congress and National Archives.
“The Heard Libraries’ membership in the DPC is an exciting opportunity to expand our leadership in the digital preservation of cultural heritage,” said University Librarian Jon Shaw. “The DPC’s network of international members offers new avenues for collaboration on a global scale as we work together to create access, disseminate knowledge and preserve cultural memory for the betterment of society.”
With more than 18 million digital items in their collections, the Heard Libraries pursue effective and inclusive models for digital preservation and stewardship. In addition to a diverse range of digitized manuscript collections, the libraries hold and preserve one of the preeminent digital audiovisual collections in the U.S. through the Vanderbilt Television News Archive, featuring more than 62,000 hours of transcribed video content.
“We are thrilled that the Vanderbilt Heard Libraries have joined the DPC,” said Juan Bicarregui, chair of the DPC. “Their expertise in digital preservation of broadcast television and the use of novel AI technologies will be a valuable source of knowledge for many of our members. We look forward to working with the team and supporting them in building a wider digital preservation capability and capacity.”
Members of the DPC are in the U.K., European Union, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Australasia. The organization helps members to deliver resilient long-term access to digital content and services through community engagement, targeted advocacy work, training and workforce development, capacity building, good practice and standards, and through good management and governance.
• Learn more about the Digital Preservation Coalition.
• Read more about the Heard Libraries’ digital preservation efforts.