In recognition of the irreplaceable value that memory institutions—libraries, archives, and museums—bring to the public, the statement,
Four Digital Rights for Protecting Memory Institutions Online, articulates the essential activities in archival collection, preservation, and lending that need protection and support in today’s digital media environment.
The rights and responsibilities that memory institutions have always enjoyed offline must also be protected online. To accomplish this goal, libraries, archives and museums must have the legal rights and practical ability to:
Collect materials in digital form, whether through digitization of physical collections, or through purchase on the open market or by other legal means;
Preserve digital materials, and where necessary repair, back up, or reformat them, to ensure their long-term existence and availability;
Provide controlled access to digital materials for advanced research techniques and to patrons where they are—online;
- Cooperate with other memory institutions, by sharing or transferring digital collections, so as to aid preservation and access.
The statement can be endorsed by governments, organizations, and individuals following a verification process. If you are interested in endorsing the statement, please complete the following inquiry form to begin the process.
