Fundamentals of Preservation

Abstract

Chapter Summary

This chapter explores the traditional and evolving practice of preservation. Traditional preservation practices are traced throughout history. Current practice is described as a foundation from which to understand evolving practices. Traditional preservation has historically focused on tangible assets that take a tangible form we can all see and touch. The traditional practices are compared to the evolving practices of knowledge and intangible resources. The chapter examines why, what, how, when, where we preserve, and who preserves to understand the transition in progress today. The authors make the case that shifting the traditional focus from preserving for the past and evidentiary reasons to preserving for the future to support business challenges is crucial. The authors also tie the need to refocus on historical impediments and challenges to knowledge use and reuse in practical business environments.

Citation

Foster, M., Arvand, H., Graham, H.T. and Bedford, D. (2023), "Fundamentals of Preservation", Knowledge Preservation and Curation (Working Methods for Knowledge Management), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 3-17. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83982-930-720231001