Hi Nicholas,
Long-term digital storage is a big project, with many variables to consider. You'll want to work with your IT department, since they'll be managing regular data backups, and you may want to consult with an archivist or librarian with data curation expertise.
Overall, the rule of thumb is 3/2/1, which means at least 3 copies of everything, in 2 different media, and at least 1 copy offsite (geographic diversity). For us, that looks like on-site servers, weekly tape backups (with daily incremental backups), and quarterly cloud backups. I've not stored data on DVDs, but with any medium you choose, you'll need to plan for reformatting over time, since everything will become obsolete at some point.
There's some very good information here:
Best Practices for Storing, Archiving and Preserving DataHope this helps, and good luck!
Karen
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Karen Urbec, MLIS, CA
Archivist and Digital Collections Specialist
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Miami FL
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-18-2021 12:38 PM
From: Nicholas Rasschaert
Subject: Digital Collection Preservation Guidance
Hello everyone,
We are currently looking for storage methods to store our digital media and oral history videos, and we are in need of some direction. Currently our collections are stored on a server and we are afraid if the server was to fail, all of our data would be lost. We do have an offsite backup server, but if a disaster struck, we feel we aren't as prepared as we would like to be. We have used Archival Grade DVD since the start of our digitization process, but we are wondering if this process is outdated, and what sort of process should we start undertaking to ensure the longevity of our collections? What will digitization storage look like in the next 10 years, and how can we ensure that our storage capabilities are not obsolete? Is there a specific program or service that provides updates on the latest/ current hardware available? Is there any storage device or technique that you recommend? We have used hard-drives, but they have failed us in the past. We have found that Cloud storage is typically too expensive for us, perhaps some of you know of any companies that offer a minimum budget plan? We are weary of using Cloud Storage because of the potential of that business failing and we're afraid all of our data will be lost in the process. What do you recommend?
Thank you to all of those who respond, I appreciate your time and knowledge.
Respectfully,
Nicholas.
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Nicholas Rasschaert
Putnam Museum and Science Center
Davenport IA
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