Preserving information for posterity: Is 'Going Digital' the answer?

Digitization has been adopted as a strategy for preserving content of deteriorating physical artefacts. At the same time, by removing the boundaries of physical containment, it provides new opportunities for sharing and exploiting information. Generally, the use of digital format has dramatically changed how we create, manage, and communicate information. However, ensuring long term preservation of digital media is a non-trivial matter. Failing to find an adequate solution threatens the survival of valuable information created in the digital era. In this paper we reflect on the many issues associated with digitization and preservation of the digital content. We describe the economic climate that sets the context for increased activities in this area.