Application of the Optical Disk by the Library of Congress

Abstract

In launching its Optical Disk Pilot Program in 1982, the Library of Congress took a positive step towards going beyond the present limitations of microform and magnetic storage as archival preservation forms. As a parrallel effort to its patented diethyl zinc preservation process which will add hundreds of years of life to original artifacts which have not yet detoriated too greatly, the optical disk program seeks to preserve the intellectual content of fragile items, for frequently used materials, and other items where it is either impossible or impractal to continue use of the original· The Library seeks a preservation solution workable for conventionally published materials (text, sound, images, motion) but which also takes cognizance of the growing trend towards preparation of electronic, or machine “readable” forms which are “published” only at the end of the production process, or sometimes only on demand. Additionally, the Library has an interest in preservation and storage of its collections to enhance and ease their use so that it can do a better job of serving Congress, scholars, and other researchers.