FIAT/IFTA World Conference 2024

Migration is a key preservation action for digital collections. It is unavoidable; challenges like planned hardware obsolescence, format obsolescence, and the staggering storage needs of digital data are some of the issues that pose risks to the long-term accessibility of born-digital materials. It is not a walk in the park. Successful migration requires significant technical expertise, support, and planning. Irrecoverable data loss can easily occur if it is not performed well. For a process that is so unforgiving, it is naturally a daunting task for many, particularly for those embarking on it for the first time. Using several case studies, this presentation seeks to consolidate lessons, identify considerations, and provide guidance to those embarking on the great migration.