Abstract:
This paper presents a content analysis of a selection of existing literature about digital
preservation policies. The researcher examined the digital preservation policies that are currently
being implemented by four representative institutions on four different continents and arrived at
specific conclusions. The institutions reviewed in this paper are Hong Kong University of Science
and Technology (Asia); University of Texas Library (United States of America); National Library of
Australia (Australia); UK Data Archive, University of Essex (United Kingdom). Although the survey
was undertaken in April and May 2010, the primary purpose of the content analysis was to
provide a rational basis for a sound digital preservation policy for the institutional repository of the
University of Stellenbosch in South Africa. The paper defines digital preservation, examines the
rationale behind digital preservation policies, elucidates issues that need to be resolved before
long-term access to digital research objects within higher education institutions can be
guaranteed. It also describes all the essential elements that need to be included in a digital
preservation policy. The researcher illuminated the digital preservation policies of the abovementioned
institutions by comparing them with the requirements that have been documented by
the PARS working group. The paper concludes with recommendations about which elements
should receive particular attention when a digital preservation policy is constructed for the use of
institutional digital repositories.
