How does the KB preserve its digital collections? What part does the New e-Depot programme play in this? The KB aims to be able to sustainably preserve all digital files (both digitised and born-digital). We are developing a flexible, future-proof infrastructure for processing digital collections. To this end, we are simplifying the application landscape and technical infrastructure to improve the management and preservation of our digital collections.
Long-term preservation and access
As part of the New e-Depot programme, the KB has acquired a new system (Rosetta) for managing its digital collections. This system ensures that digital material is stored authentically and securely, and that its long-term accessibility is guaranteed. The KB is set to make the transition from bit-level preservation to functional preservation. That means we can convert files into new formats, thereby ensuring that digital material remains accessible at all times.
CoreTrustSeal certificate
It is important for the KB that the e-Depot is reliable and trusted. That is why we undergo regular external audits in accordance with international norms and standards. We took a step in the right direction in 2021 by obtaining the CoreTrustSeal certificate.
The programme concerns:
- Simplifying the IT infrastructure.
- The ability to migrate the digital files and metadata to the new systems.
- Using the OAIS model and associated quality assurance standards for the management and preservation of digital collections.
Sustainable access to the digital collections
This programme provides a completely revamped environment for storing all the files that form part of the KB’s digital collections. The processes for managing the digital collections will also be improved. As a result, all our digital material will remain available, both now and in the future.
“We are very impressed by the possibilities offered by the Rosetta archiving system and are therefore completely confident that this solution will enable us to realise our ambitions.”
Jeffrey van der Hoeven, Head of Digital Sustainable Access at the KB
Flexible now and in the future
Smart solutions are needed to ensure that our digital heritage remains accessible to everyone in the future. Digital developments happen quite rapidly, so you must be able to adapt to changes. With the right resources and a flexible system, the KB is preparing for the future. This is how our digital heritage remains accessible to everyone.
What digital material does the KB preserve?
- More than 1,000 terabytes of digital material. This amounts to more than a billion files and an estimated 60 million publications.
- Of those 60 million publications, around 88,000 are e-books.
- The KB archives Dutch websites, of which there are now almost 21,000.
