NRS is pleased to announce the publication of new policy and guidance documents on our digital archiving operations.
Digital Preservation Policy
This document explains the high-level procedures and guidelines that NRS applies to its digital preservation practice. It articulates the principles which underpin our work.
NRS has been accepting and preserving digital records since 1998. We have iterated our digital preservation practice over time, but this is the first time we have published the principles and procedures of our work in this manner.
Requirements for Submission of Digitised Records for Archive Preservation
The document sets out the minimum requirements for depositors to NRS to follow when changing the format of their records from analogue to digital, via a digitisation process (e.g. scanning), which will be submitted to NRS for permanent preservation. It contains details on the legal basis and security of this process, engagement with NRS, further research that can be undertaken, along with the requirements themselves. The document can be used by our depositors alongside the Depositor Guidance when preparing to transfer records to NRS for permanent preservation.
Selection Policy for NRS Social Media Archiving
Social media is a key communication tool for modern public bodies. It’s therefore important that there is a record of this. NRS has therefore published a social media collecting policy. This sets out why we archive social media, what content is in scope for archiving and how we can work with our depositors to create a representative record.
All three of these documents resulted from the research of good practice, peer engagement, and strong internal collaboration across multiple teams. They represent new milestones in the ongoing development of NRS’s digital archiving function, as we seek to become a modern national archive fit for the future.
For any questions or comments on any of these documents, please contact digital_records@nrscotland.gov.uk
