title: The Costs and Economics of Preservation
creators: Neil Grindley
abstract: Given that preservation is now a fairly well-described problem, it should, in theory, be possible to calculate with a reasonable degree of accuracy what costs are likely to accrue to an organisation that has responsibility for the long-term stewardship of digital assets. This paper will introduce and describe some of the work that has been carried out over the last 5 years to help institutions and research groups to understand both the cost and the economics of preservation, and to examine the difference between those concepts. It will also describe ongoing phases of work that are being funded in the UK by JISC that are attempting to further advance understanding in this area and where possible apply or implement previously theoretical approaches. Some indication will also be given as to where collective international effort may be of universal benefit.
keywords: singapore preservation costs economics models