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Emulation, Migration, and Long-Term Preservation of Electronic Records

Cal Lee
University of Michigan
School of Information

ECURE 2001: Preservation and Access for
electronic College and University Records
October  13,  2001

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Outline

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The Digital Preservation Problem





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Technological Dependency

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Key Concept - Abstraction

“Computer science is largely a matter of abstraction: identifying a wide range of applications that include some overlapping functionality, and then working to abstract out that shared functionality into a distinct service layer (or module, or language, or whatever). That new service layer then becomes a platform on top of which many other functionalities can be built that had previously been impractical or even unimagined. How does this activity of abstraction work as a practical matter? It’s technical work, of course, but it's also social work. It is unlikely that any one computer scientist will be an expert in every one of the important applications areas that may benefit from the abstract service. So collaboration will be required.” (emphasis added)

— Phil Agre, Red Rock Eater, March 25, 2000

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Oh so many layers

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But, wait, there’s more

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Obsolescence

“Those who forget the past are condemned to reload it.”

— Nick Montfort, July 2000

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Some Base-Line Assumptions

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Assumption #1: Digital objects are instructions for future interaction

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Assumption #2: Bits will be Bits

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Assumption #3: Change Happens

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Assumption #4: Must identify what’s desirable and what’s possible

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Major Approaches: Migration and Emulation





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Migration

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Emulation - Oxford English Dictionary, Second Edition

“To reproduce the action of or behave like (a different type of computer) with the aid of hardware or software designed to effect this; to run (a program, etc., written for another type of computer) by this means.”

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Popular Examples from the History of Emulation

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More Emulation Examples

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Broad Issues to Address

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Arguments for preservation using emulation

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Critiques of Emulation

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A Balanced Perspective on Preservation Strategies

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For Further Reference

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Thank you!





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