About

The Data-PASS partnership grew out of the National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program (NDIIPP) established in 2004 by the U.S. Library of Congress for the preservation of historically significant digital content. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) sets forth the framework for both continuation of the work originated through the NDIIPP and the terms of membership in this partnership.

Objectives

The partnership emphasizes the following primary objectives:

  1. Replicated preservation of archived collections
  2. Advocate best practices in digital preservation and data stewardship
  3. Advocate best practices in data sharing for research and replication

The partnership will endeavor to meet and uphold these objectives through the cooperation of and adherence to the terms set forth in the Memorandum of Understanding by its membership.

History

Data-PASS was founded in 2004 with funding from the Library of Congress’s National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program (NDIIPP) and cost-share contributions from all partner institutions. The primary goal of the project was to create a sustainable partnership model for preserving social science data. Currently, the partnership supports itself with research grants and small amounts of in-kind support from the partner organizations for leadership, operation, and maintenance activities.

The Library of Congress and the National Archives and Records Administration were founding members of Data-PASS.