Cost models in digital archiving : an overview of life cycle management at the National Library of the Netherlands

Abstract

The number of institutions that are either considering the implementation of a digital archive or already started with an operational digital archive service is increasing. While technological and organisational challenges are well-studied and in few cases even welldefined, the subject of costs often remains untouched, which in many cases prevent organisations from new initiatives. In this paper two leading digital preservation techniques – migration and emulation - will be discussed in terms of life cycle management and associated cost models. Both techniques are studied and considered for implementation at the Koninklijke Bibliotheek, National Library of the Netherlands.