Date of Award
Spring 2026
Degree Type
Honors College Thesis
Academic Program
History BA
Department
History
First Advisor
Dr. Brendan Fay
Advisor Department
Library and Information Science
Abstract
In an increasingly digital world, libraries continue to expand their digital collections. As these collections grow, librarians must work to ensure that these digital materials remain accessible over time. Having clearly articulated digital preservation policies helps libraries define their preservation commitments and establish guidelines for preservation actions. This study examines how university libraries approach digital preservation through their policies, focusing on those that are publicly available and accessible online. The content of these policies is evaluated against commonly recognized elements of digital preservation planning, including preservation scope, metadata practices, integrity checking, storage redundancy, and format migration. These criteria are derived from professional guidelines and best practices. By identifying which elements are consistently mentioned and which elements are often excluded, this research identifies how university libraries articulate their digital preservation priorities. The findings of this study indicate varying levels of policy comprehensiveness and transparency across a range of institutions. This research contributes to a broader understanding of how libraries communicate their commitments to ensuring long-term preservation and supporting access to digital materials.
Copyright
Copyright for this thesis is owned by the author. It may be freely accessed by all users. However, any reuse or reproduction not covered by the exceptions of the Fair Use or Educational Use clauses of U.S. Copyright Law or without permission of the copyright holder may be a violation of federal law. Contact the administrator if you have additional questions.
Recommended Citation
McManus, Ramsey, "Digital Preservation Policies in University Libraries: A Content Analysis" (2026). Honors Theses. 1095.
https://aquila.usm.edu/honors_theses/1095