On November 7th, as part of the celebrations of the International Digital Preservation Day, the Meeting New Paths for Preservation and Access to Information, promoted by FCT – Science and Technology Archive and by Arquivo.pt, a digital service of the Foundation for Science and Technology, developed by FCCN.
The first edition of the initiative took place at Torre do Tombo, in Cidade Universitária, in Lisbon, and had more than 240 people present.
"It would be difficult to find a more symbolic place to celebrate World Digital Preservation Day than the Torre do Tombo, where there was an excellent atmosphere for sharing and various aspects of preservation, both physical and digital, were discussed. I had the privilege of moderating a panel that reflected this diversity, with presentations on Web Archives, Preservation Policies, Scientific Data, and Audiovisual Media.
We ended the day on a high note, with memories of the 50th anniversary of April 25th and how to ensure that we will efficiently preserve the next 50 years.” explains João Gomes, area director of FCCN, FCT digital services.
During the Meeting, the main challenges that information and documentation professionals face in terms of producing, organizing, making available and preserving information in digital format were discussed. The development of means that allow access to and reuse of information, ensuring its digital preservation, were also key themes of the initiative.
According to Paula Meireles, head of the Science and Technology Archive, "No one is indifferent when it comes to Digital Preservation. This was clearly demonstrated by the number of participants and national representation at the event, which was held exclusively in person. It was a highly sought-after event that stood out for its diversity and panels of excellent speakers who shared knowledge, policies, experiences, methodologies, best practices, projects, and strategies throughout the day in this shift toward digital transition. It made it clear that the work must be collaborative and that these meetings foster unity, discussion, synergies, and added value," says Paula Meireles.
“Managing, organizing, making available and preserving digital information is, without a doubt, one of the greatest challenges for information and documentation professionals who share the objective of guaranteeing access to and reuse of data and information in a transparent and democratic manner, guaranteeing its digital preservation and long-term consultation.” adds.
Over 40 speakers, 7 sessions and a dedicated community space
Dozens of participants participated in the sessions that took place throughout the day, either in person or via video. The event was opened by Silvestre Lacerda, director of the General Directorate of Books, Archives and Libraries, Francisco Santos, vice-president of the FCT Board of Directors and Jane Winters, Chair of the Digital Preservation Coalition Board.
The opening conference, with the theme Building Digital Bridges: Pathways to the Future of Preservation and Access, had as speaker Henrique São Mamede, from the Open University.
Three panels followed, discussing initiatives and realities of digital preservation, how to preserve and reuse web information, and how to preserve the present and safeguard the future. Among the various speakers, Ricardo Basílio, digital curator at Arquivo.pt, presented the project "Memórias do 25 de Abril na Internet" (Memories of April 25th on the Internet). Also Antonio Ramiro and Carmen Fonseca, The top winners of the Arquivo.pt 2024 Awards took to the stage.
The Community Space featured nine seven-minute presentations showcasing projects related to the topic under discussion. Among them: Pedro Gomes from the Arquivo.pt team, a digital service of the FCT, developed by FCCN, presented the CcitationSaver, which preserves citations for online content.
The event ended with the intervention of Maria Inacia Rezola, Executive Commissioner of the Mission Structure for the Commemorations of the 50th anniversary of the Revolution of April 25, 1974, and concluded with a few words of assessment of the initiative of João Gomes, area director of FCCN, FCT digital services.
