Partnering for Preservation

Partners for Preservation is an important and timely volume, wonderfully curated and framed by the vision of the volume's editor, Jeanne Kramer-Smyth. The sections and chapters build the case that partnering for preservation in the digital world is both necessary and mutually beneficial. We have learned that to demonstrate good digital practice and to build sustainable digital preservation programs, we must work within and across an array of domains, bringing together specialists in evolving combinations. As explained in the volume's introduction, ‘Archivists cannot navigate the flood of technology and change alone. This book aims to help build bridges between archivists and those in other professions who are facing and navigating our common struggles. If archivists can build relationships with those in other professions, we can increase the tools and best practices available to everyone.’

Kramer-Smyth explains ‘each of the ten chapters presented here was written by a subject matter expert from outside the GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives, and museums) community. The topics were selected to highlight ten digital challenges being faced by other professions.’ Challenges that have clear relevance and value through - out the digital community. She adds, ‘My hope is that the chapters of this book can inspire archivists across the profession and around the world to see the potential that exists in partnering with others struggling to solve digital challenges.’

Her introduction highlights the flexibility that is built into the volume – the text lends itself to allowing readers to consume the chapters in one gulp, in sections, or individually. This balance of cohesion and modularity echoes core aspects of digital practice that is the focus of the volume. As members of the digital community, we need to be generalists to have an overall sense of the evolving landscape and specialists as our practice advances. No individual can go it alone, understanding this is key to developing sustainable digital programs and practice, a principle that the volume addresses intentionally and eloquently.

Each of the chapters is well constructed and documented, explaining complex and technical topics in understandable and approachable ways. The authors are storytellers with interesting perspectives based on a wealth of accumulated experience. The chapters include definitions, both formal and working, that have value in navigating these topics in local settings.