Library of Congress loses millions for digital preservation
Posted by Jacque on March 21st, 2007
Library Journal reports that the Library of Congress has lost $47 million in promised federal funds for digital preservation efforts, and it’s unclear how many projects and programs will be affected. “Increasingly, digital content embodies much of the nation’s intellectual, social, and cultural history,” LC said in its original announcement of the NDIIPP program.
After passage of P.L. 110-5 on the February 15, $47 million “of the unobligated balances available for the National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program” (NDIIPP) was rescinded.
“The Library of Congress is in the early stages of evaluating the impact of this rescission, and no decisions have been made on the future of the program, which continues to operate,” LC spokesman Matt Raymond told LJ. “We are hopeful that funds may be restored in fiscal year 2008.
Emily Sheketoff, executive director of the American Library Association’s Washington Office said, “The issue for us, and what we’re working on, is getting that money put in for ‘08.”
Watch for further information. Photo by Kevin Connors.
