NIU gets grant on preserving digital information

DEKALB— Northern Illinois University Libraries in DeKalb has been awarded a federal grant to explore ways to save and preserve digital information.

Rapid changes in technology are a challenge for libraries, and librarians are wondering how they'll make sure there's long-term access to digital photos, videos, audio files and text documents.

That's where the NIU Libraries grant project comes in. Lynne Thomas of NIU Libraries says the project will identify ways to make digital preservation affordable for small and medium-sized universities.

NIU's library system is getting a $575,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services for the project.

Also involved are Chicago State, Illinois State, Illinois Wesleyan and Western Illinois universities. The project will produce a report on options, a potential business model and a digital preservation planning toolkit.