StandardA life, recorded
Levels of Digital Preservation
NDSA Levels of Digital Preservation offers a staged framework; version 2.1 includes sustainability.
2026
Research field / 07
A life, recorded
Keep the original. Keep it accessible.
Recorded voices, documents, images and video can carry a rich record of a life. Long-term access depends on formats, metadata, integrity checks, multiple copies and succession planning. Original records should remain distinguishable from edited material or any future AI-generated interpretation.
Questions that matter
- Can a family find, understand and export the original recordings?
- Are integrity checks, permissions and restoration exercises documented?
- Who has authority to grant access, change permissions or retire an archive?
Sources & resources
Read our evidence note, then follow the original source.
StandardA life, recorded
Recommended Formats Statement - Resources (Preservation, Library of Congress)
Library of Congress 2025–2026 format recommendations address long-term access.
2025
GuidanceA life, recorded
Digital Formats
Explains Library of Congress digital-format management and preservation decisions.
Resource
StandardA life, recorded
The BagIt File Packaging Format (RFC 8493)
BagIt specifies collection packaging and manifests for transfer and integrity checks.
2018
Reference resourceA life, recorded
Sustainability of Digital Formats: Planning for Library of Congress Collections
Library of Congress documents file formats and preservation characteristics.
Resource
GuidanceA life, recorded
Personal Digital Archiving
Practical advice for preserving personal digital photos, recordings and documents.
Resource
GuidanceA life, recorded
Personal Digital Records - Personal Archiving
Explains how to organize and retain important personal digital records.
Resource
StandardA life, recorded
The FAIR Guiding Principles for scientific data management and stewardship
FAIR principles address findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable research data.
2016