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Questions of authenticity: challenges in archiving born-digital design records

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 June 2016

Kurt G. F. Helfrich
Kurt G. F. Helfrich*
Affiliation:
Drawings & Archives Collections, British Architectural Library, Royal Institute of British Architects, Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL, UK
*
Email: kurt.helfrich@inst.riba.org
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Abstract

Born-digital design records are among the most interesting and challenging digital objects that archivists have to preserve. Currently transitioning from 2-D to 3-D computer-aided design imaging applications in proprietary file formats, design firms and their future archivists face real obstacles in preserving and making these materials accessible in the long term. This article examines three recent web projects/resources in Europe and North America that have attempted to establish guidelines and standards for archiving these objects, and discusses upcoming projects at the British Architectural Library’s Drawings & Archives Collections to tackle collecting born-digital design records.

Type
Research Article
Information
Art Libraries Journal , Volume 35 , Issue 3 , 2010 , pp. 23 - 29
Copyright
Copyright © The Art Libraries Society 2010

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