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JSTOR's Digitized Print Archiving Strategy
JSTOR's digitized print archiving strategy includes:
Preservation of Original Source (print)
The cost savings associated with freeing shelf space in libraries has always been an intended benefit of JSTOR. Realizing this benefit brings with it a responsibility to ensure that several complete runs of the print journals are preserved. JSTOR has recognized the need to secure original paper copies of the journals in the archive and has signed agreements with the California Digital Library and Harvard Depository to act as initial paper repositories for JSTOR. Paper copies of the first 350 journals included in the JSTOR archive will be held and preserved by these institutions for future consultation and use by JSTOR. These repositories will play a critical role as a resource for JSTOR when new opportunities may necessitate the re-scanning of the print journals and will also provide a fail-safe in case of a disaster in which the digital archive is damaged or degraded.
Maintenance of Digital Files
JSTOR also takes very seriously its commitment to preserving the digital copies of the journal content in the archive. To provide protection against loss, we have established redundant data centers, two in the U.S. and one in the U.K. Each one has at least one complete and fully functional copy of the entire archive. The image files are backed up on CD-ROM and on tape. Rotating copies of these tapes are kept at various locations, including an off-site storage facility at OCLC. The image files are maintained in a TIFF G4 format which is considered an archival standard and which can be migrated to other formats as that need might arise in the future.
Third-Party Stewardship Planning
JSTOR's business model is designed to incorporate long-term stewardship planning. The Archive Capital Fee (ACF) contributions are designated for ongoing preservation activities. Examples of these include such current projects as the migration of our metadata from its original proprietary format to the more flexible XML format, and the application of the image compositing technology first used in image-intensive content, such as art and art history journals, to the entire JSTOR archive. A portion of the fees are also set aside for major technological conversions, such as rewriting the code underlying the JSTOR delivery system as necessary.
In the extremely unlikely event of JSTOR's demise, under certain circumstances these funds may be transferred to a third-party steward. Important criteria for organizations which might serve as third-party digital repositories include high technical standards, the ability to foster cooperation and trust among stakeholders while maintaining knowledge of the legal environment, and showing responsibility in securing appropriate rights. In addition, a demonstrated commitment to preservation must exist, and financial stability and sustainability are critical.
Last updated on September 8, 2006
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