Swatting the Long Tail of Digital Media: A Call for Collaboration

An OCLC Research Report by:

Ricky Erway

Abstract:

This report urges a collaborative approach for conversion of content on various types of digital media. As with First Steps, the document refers only to born-digital material on physical media. This essay is intended for managers who are making decisions on where to invest their born-digital time and money. It should help them understand that any expectations that local staff will be able to handle everything are probably impractical. We hope it’ll also help archivists (and others) in the trenches breathe a sigh of relief to think that perhaps they won’t have to deal with an array of obsolete media all on their own.

Download US Letter .pdf

Additional Resources:

In this video, Senior Program Officer Ricky Erway gives a brief overview of her report, "Swatting the Long Tail of Digital Media: A Call for Collaboration," which urges a collaborative approach for conversion of content on various types of digital media. The report is intended for managers who are making decisions on where to invest their born-digital time and money. It should help them understand that any expectations that local staff will be able to handle everything are probably impractical. We hope it will also help archivists (and others) in the trenches breathe a sigh of relief to think that perhaps they won't have to deal with an array of obsolete media all on their own.