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Elizabeth R. Leggett. Digitization and Digital Archiving: A Practical Guide for Librarians. New York: Rowman & Littlefield, 2020. Paperback/eBook, 258p. $73.00/$60.00. (ISBN: 9781538133347/ 9781538133354).
Elizabeth Leggett's second edition of Digitization and Digital Archiving: A Practical Guide for Librarians, touted as a guide for digital archiving decisions, is more of a basic introduction to digital archiving terminology and functions. The chapters cover various aspects of digital archiving, including the distinction between digitized and born-digital materials, the basics of computer storage, and discussions on storing text, audio, and video files. However, the book falls short in providing practical guidance, case studies, and examples of workflows. It offers definitions and discussions of formats without delving into industry standards. While it serves as a good starting point for those with minimal technology knowledge, it lacks in-depth coverage of best practices and how-tos for digital preservation.
The initial chapters lay the groundwork for digital preservation by introducing key concepts. Chapter 1 delves into the rationale behind digital preservation, emphasizing the distinction between digitized and born-digital materials. It offers practical advice on establishing clear goals for digital archives, including access and preservation, while addressing considerations like budget, timeframe, staffing, and collection scope. However, in what is a recurring pattern, the chapter lacks concrete examples for readers to draw inspiration from. In Chapter 2, a fundamental overview of how computers store information is provided, covering the binary system, bits, bytes, and hardware components. Tailored for those with limited experience, it serves as a helpful introduction to computer terminology. Nevertheless, more experienced users may find it lacking in the technical specifications essential for those pursuing digital preservation goals.
Leggett spends the next four chapters describing how various types of data are defined and stored. Chapter 3 explores the terminology related to storing images on computers. The explanation covers essential concepts, including pixels, resolution, and color depth. The chapter also delves into the difference between lossless and lossy compression and offers insights into various types of image formats and the decision-making process regarding proprietary or open formats. Though the chapter lacks any discussion of best practices, it does provide useful definitions for several of the most common image formats along with benefits and drawbacks of each format.
Chapters 4 and 5 detail the storage of text and audio visual files. Chapter 4 details the storage of text, offering insights into various formats. Leggett provides detailed definitions and outlines the advantages and disadvantages of prevalent formats like HTML, XML, and PDF. In Chapter 5 Leggett explores the storage of audio and video files. This chapter provides an examination of common formats, terminologies, and critical storage considerations, including compression and the selection of appropriate formats. While offering useful definitions, the chapter lacks in-depth technical details and makes an odd assumption that readers will not be storing much video data in their archives. Both chapters lack sufficient guidance on recommendations and practical use cases, leaving readers seeking to establish a digital preservation program without the necessary direction and actionable insights.
Titled "Storing Born-Digital Materials," Chapter 6 takes an unanticipated turn into the realm of how computers store information and excludes any discussion of storage options or standards. It explores various aspects such as operating systems, source code, platforms, and eventually moves to born-digital objects such as databases, websites, and email. The chapter briefly touches upon database management systems, web crawlers, and emulators but falls short in delivering sufficient information for making well-informed decisions. Other born-digital formats, such as photos, CAD drawings, video, or spreadsheets, are not even taken into account.
Chapters 7 through 10 provide an overview of various types of common storage media: floppy disks and optical media, magnetic tape, hard drives, and flash memory. Chapters 7 and 8 offer thorough definitions and functions related to specific formats, focusing on floppy disks, optical media, magnetic tape, while Chapters 9 and 10 cover hard drives and flash memory. Each chapter discusses media definitions, considerations for longevity and storage conditions, and provides pros and cons of the storage format. Again, there is a lack of use cases and example workflows. While grasping the functionality of outmoded formats like floppy disks is valuable, Leggett fails to provide strategies for managing storage media that could be deemed obsolete or lack compatible playback equipment.
Leggett devotes Chapter 11 to cloud computing. This chapter does include definitions, pros and cons of cloud storage, and tips to consider before signing a contract, but lacks a serious conversation about archival-specific cloud storage. It does not address the very real issue of authenticity or provide examples of a sound exit plan should the service cease to exist. There is no discussion about dark storage versus high-use, instantly accessible storage and which formats would be best suited for these scenarios. Since cloud storage is becoming such a prevalent model in archives, more discussion of archival-specific cloud storage would have benefited novice and more experienced readers alike.
Chapter 12 discusses equipment and software for digitizing archival materials. The chapter starts with monitors, but only provides basic information and not specifications relevant to digitization. Although the text covers various types of scanners, it lacks sufficient guidance on their selection, particularly with regard to the materials being digitized. Furthermore, there is no exploration of resolution or archival standards within the scanner discussion. Topics highly relevant to archival digitization like item selection, handling materials, workflows, and file naming conventions are neglected.
The critical subject of metadata is detailed in Chapter 13, where Leggett provides definitions, outlines a few standards, and acknowledges the role of metadata in aiding discovery. However, the chapter falls short in emphasizing the paramount importance of metadata in digital archives. While Leggett briefly introduces MARC, PREMIS, and Dublin Core schemas, she neglects to mention widely used and referenced schemas like MODS and METS. Furthermore, the chapter lacks substantial discussion on the creation of metadata, sources to create metadata, or the management of metadata once generated. There is a notable absence of case studies or workflows, leaving readers without guidance on how metadata should accompany a digital object and contribute to researchers' discovery. The chapter overlooks conveying the invaluable role of metadata for archivists in finding materials, maintaining organized files, providing access, ensuring security, and tracking digital preservation actions.
In Chapter 14, a fundamental overview of US copyright law is presented. The chapter outlines the general scope of copyright law, delineates what is exempt from copyright, discusses the determination of fair use, and explores the implications of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Leggett also briefly touches on Creative Commons licenses and open-source software. Given the complexity and density of copyright law, this chapter provides a straightforward introduction to key terms and considerations. However, readers embarking on digital archive projects or policy writing may need to seek more in-depth resources for a comprehensive understanding.
Chapter 15 attempts to tackle some of the challenges associated with digital preservation. However, Leggett's limited engagement with the theory and practical aspects of digital preservation becomes apparent, leaving readers unaware that archivists and industry professionals have actively addressed these challenges, implementing standards to mitigate potential issues. Existing digital preservation standards, such as those addressing data integrity through fixity and checksum processes, play a crucial role. Additionally, format standards and preservation planning, including format migration, are employed to combat obsolescence concerns. While Leggett contends that digital media is relatively unstable compared to traditional physical formats, it is essential to clarify that this instability does not render digital preservation impossible or unachievable.
In Chapter 16, Leggett concludes the book with a focus on policies. The chapter provides valuable insights, discussing considerations such as setting goals for collections, establishing timelines, addressing storage needs for different formats, required equipment, access, and maintenance. However, the inclusion of sample policies would enhance the practical utility for all readers. Many digital archivists have already navigated the complex process of developing policies and procedures for digital archives. Unfortunately, the book consistently neglects to acknowledge this existing community and their contributions, potentially leaving readers feeling isolated in their endeavors.
The book's strengths lie in its clear definitions of terms and accessible writing style, making it particularly welcoming to individuals new to digital preservation. Additionally, the inclusion of a references list at the end of each chapter for further reading is useful. The book proves invaluable as a comprehensive glossary, providing clear explanations of technical terminology, formats, and obsolete technologies. It serves as an excellent companion guide for individuals embarking on their journey in digital preservation, especially those unfamiliar with the specialized jargon and formats prevalent in the field. However, the weaknesses of the book become apparent in its basic approach, the absence of comprehensive coverage on standards and best practices, the lack of recognition of the supportive community in the field, and the omission of case studies make it difficult for readers to create an actionable digital preservation plan. While it is recommended for readers starting from scratch in digital preservation, it is advisable to supplement the book with additional resources to gain a more thorough and well-rounded understanding of the field.
- Ashley Howdeshell, Northeastern Illinois University