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Our library is developing a digital preservation plan and we need to identify existing and emerging digital preservation challenges. What issues have libraries with digital preservation programs identified as current and future concerns?

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Are time constrained questions in scope for Stack? I'm guessing perhaps not, given the recent foofaraw about "shopping questions". Still, I like the question... – Paul Wheatley Feb 12 at 16:47
@MGallinger While this is an interesting question to consider, the answers are all going to be speculative, and this is more of an open-ended hypothetical question. We cannot possibly predict what might happen, as there are too many variables to account for. – Ashley Nunn♦ Feb 12 at 17:39
Yes, there are variables, but this is not an open-ended question. Adequate preservation activities require that we do our best to address unforeseen variables in a changing technical and economic landscape. Yes, it is speculative, but all planning for the future requires speculation. Without being aware of emerging trends and challenges, the field of digital preservation cannot hope to provide long term access to important content. In a field of frequent change and obsolescence, speculation is not only appropriate but a critical planning activity. – MGallinger Feb 12 at 18:32
@MGallinger Unfortunately, it is open-ended. There is no single answer to this question that is necessarily better than any other. That makes it difficult, if not impossible, to select an answer, which puts future viewers of the question at a disadvantage. If you'd like to discuss that point further, please start a Meta.Libraries question. – jonsca♦ Feb 13 at 3:36
@AshleyNunn Hi, I've attempted to edit this question to make it less open ended. I think that the spirit of the question is highly intriguing to library & information professionals. As I don't have enough rep. yet to vote to reopen, I hope others will choose to do so! – Canadian Girl Scout Feb 18 at 1:47
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closed as not constructive by Ashley Nunn♦ Feb 12 at 17:38

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