COPPUL builds for the future, establishes the COPPUL Digital Preservation Network

VANCOUVER, April 6, 2017 — The Council of Prairie and Pacific University Libraries (COPPUL) announced today the official launch of the COPPUL Digital Preservation Network (COPPUL DPN). The COPPUL DPN fulfills a key strategic goal for COPPUL to develop digital preservation options for its members and to assume a leadership role in national discussions on digital preservation.

Providing meaningful access to society’s digital record over the long term is one of the critical issues of our time, especially in a world of increasing political instability and environmental risks. The technical, organizational, legal and economic challenges associated with digital preservation are significant, and no single institution can tackle them alone.

The COPPUL DPN provides an ever-expanding toolkit of digital preservation resources for its members, including web archiving and storage services. It also provides an organizational framework within which members can work together to build the capacity necessary to effectively undertake digital preservation at their institutions. It provides members with a collective voice to raise awareness, advocate for resources, and build partnerships across Canada and internationally.

“Digital preservation represents one of the most significant challenges among the many important and complex issues currently facing academic libraries. Collaboration will be key in successfully navigating this rapidly evolving field, and the establishment of the COPPUL DPN is representative of our members' commitment to a cooperative, coordinated approach,” said Kristina McDavid, COPPUL Executive Director.

“Libraries have always been about preserving the cultural and intellectual record of our communities. That record is increasingly digital, and the COPPUL DPN will help our libraries play a key role in making sure future generations have access to it,” said Mary-Jo Romaniuk, COPPUL Board Chair and University Librarian at the University of Manitoba.

About COPPUL
Working together, COPPUL members leverage our collective expertise, resources, and influence, increasing capacity and infrastructure, to enhance learning, teaching, student experiences, and research at our institutions. The consortium comprises 22 university libraries located in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.

Contact:
Corey Davis
Manager, COPPUL DPN
corey@coppul.ca
250-472-5024