Digital preservation strategy at Aga Khan University Library

Abstract

This study examined the digital preservation practices at Aga Khan University (AKU) Library with the aim of developing an effective strategy to ensure long-term accessibility and integrity of its information materials. The study focused on identifying challenges in the current digital preservation infrastructure, developing a comprehensive preservation policy, establishing secure storage systems, defining digital curation practices, improving staff training, formulating a disaster recovery plan, and creating mechanisms for monitoring the strategy’s effectiveness. A qualitative approach was used, and data were collected through interviews, questionnaires, and observation. Findings showed that AKU Library held a wide range of materials, including print resources, artifacts, electronic journals, microfilms, photographs, CDs, and DVDs. Although several preservation methods such as binding, digitization, photocopying, lamination, and shelving were applied, they were not sufficient for long-term preservation needs. The study revealed major challenges, including limited funding, lack of preservation skills, technological obsolescence, poor environmental conditions, inadequate handling, and the absence of a written preservation policy. Factors such as humidity, pests, aging materials, and lack of disaster preparedness further contributed to the deterioration of resources. Based on these gaps, the study proposed a digital preservation strategy that emphasized preservation administration, metadata management, secure storage, replacement and reformatting, stacks maintenance, and disaster preparedness. The strategy aimed to standardize preservation practices and strengthen longterm management of both digital and physical collections. The study concluded that AKU Library needed to adopt a formal preservation policy, invest in modern technologies, enhance staff capacity, and improve environmental controls to protect its collections. Implementing the recommended strategy would support research, teaching, and long-term preservation of the university’s intellectual heritage.