Digital Preservation Policies and Planning at ICPSR

ICPSR is committed to digital preservation -- i.e., "the active management of digital content over time to ensure ongoing access" (Library of Congress).

The most comprehensive digital preservation policy for ICPSR's digital preservation program is the ICPSR Digital Preservation Policy Framework. There is also a proposed model for a digital preservation policy framework that any organization may use to develop its own policy framework.

Access Policy Framework

The ICPSR Access Policy Framework focuses on ICPSR's mission in providing access to data for social science research and instruction. The policy describes ICPSR's mandate in this area, the objectives and scope of the endeavor, the guiding principles, and related risks and challenges. The appendices provide additional information on access rules, roles and responsibilities, and related links.

Collection Development Policy

The ICPSR Collection Development Policy provides guidance to ICPSR staff in selecting data for long-term archiving. The document lists selection criteria, major areas of emphasis, and appraisal considerations.

Other ICPSR Policies