Digital preservation is a crucial aspect of ensuring the longevity and accuracy of scholarly works. As the world continues to shift towards digital platforms, it is essential to have a reliable system in place to preserve these valuable resources for future generations. However, a recent study of Crossref DOI data by Martin Eve has raised concerns about the current standard of digital preservation and its ability to ensure persistent and accurate records of scholarly works.
Crossref is a non-profit organization that provides digital object identifiers (DOIs) for scholarly content. These DOIs are unique identifiers assigned to each digital object, such as journal articles, books, and datasets, to make them easily discoverable and citable. In his study, Eve analyzed the Crossref DOI data from 2000 to 2018 and found some alarming trends.
One of the most significant findings of the study is the high rate of DOI resolution failure. DOI resolution is the process of retrieving the digital object associated with a DOI. The study found that over 30% of DOIs registered in Crossref were not resolving, meaning that the digital objects they were assigned to were no longer accessible. This is a worrying trend as it indicates that a significant number of scholarly works may become lost or inaccessible in the future.
Moreover, the study also revealed that a large number of DOIs were being redirected to different digital objects. This means that the original digital object associated with the DOI was no longer available, and the DOI was now pointing to a different digital object. This could lead to confusion and inaccuracies in the scholarly record, as the DOI would no longer be linked to the correct digital object.
These findings raise serious concerns about the current standard of digital preservation. The traditional methods of preservation, such as archiving and backup, may no longer be sufficient in the digital age. With the constant evolution of technology and the rapid growth of digital content, there is a need for a more robust and sustainable approach to digital preservation.
One of the main reasons for the high rate of DOI resolution failure is the lack of long-term funding for digital preservation. Many scholarly publishers and institutions do not have the resources to maintain and update their digital archives regularly. As a result, digital objects become outdated and inaccessible over time. This highlights the need for sustained funding and support for digital preservation initiatives.
Another factor contributing to the risks faced by digital scholarly records is the use of proprietary formats and platforms. Many publishers and institutions use proprietary software and platforms to host their digital content. These formats and platforms may become obsolete over time, making it challenging to access and preserve the digital objects. There is a need for open and standardized formats and platforms that can ensure the long-term accessibility and preservation of digital content.
The study also found that a significant number of DOIs were not registered with a preservation service. A preservation service is a third-party organization that provides long-term preservation of digital objects. By not registering their DOIs with a preservation service, publishers and institutions are putting their digital content at risk. It is crucial for all scholarly works to be registered with a preservation service to ensure their long-term accessibility and preservation.
The implications of these findings are significant for the scholarly community. Inaccurate or inaccessible records can have a severe impact on the progress of research and the advancement of knowledge. It also raises ethical concerns about the preservation of digital content, as it is crucial to ensure that future generations have access to the same information and resources as we do.
To address these issues, there is a need for collaboration and cooperation among all stakeholders in the scholarly community. Publishers, institutions, preservation services, and funding agencies must work together to develop sustainable and effective strategies for digital preservation. This could include the adoption of open and standardized formats, regular updates and maintenance of digital archives, and long-term funding for preservation initiatives.
In conclusion, the study by Martin Eve has shed light on the risks faced by digital scholarly records. The high rate of DOI resolution failure and the use of proprietary formats and platforms highlight the need for a more robust and sustainable approach to digital preservation. It is crucial for all stakeholders in the scholarly community to come together and address these issues to ensure the long-term accessibility and accuracy of scholarly works. With the right strategies and collaborations, we can overcome these challenges and ensure that our digital scholarly records are preserved for future generations.
