The Niels Bohr Archive 
History of Science Seminar

Thu 4 March 2010, 14.15 
Aud. A, Niels Bohr Institute
Blegdamsvej 17, Copenhagen

Christopher Prom, Ph.D
Fulbright Distinguished Scholar
Centre for Archive and Information Studies
University of Dundee

Preserving the 'Papers' of 21st Century Science 

We cannot understand the full impact of scientific work without access to the 
correspondence, notes, and other materials that scientists generate on a daily 
basis. But how, in the digital era, can we best preserve the 'papers' generated 
by scientists? Such records are stored as mere electronic impulses, distributed 
across many locations, and written in formats that cannot be rendered without 
machines and software. As a result, rich historical sources, such as 
correspondence in email format, are at risk. Recent events in East Anglia 
demonstrate that such records are susceptible to hacking and 
misrepresentation in the short term. In the long term, they may be even more 
susceptible to loss through corruption or neglect.

In a provocative and wide-ranging talk, Christopher Prom will review the current 
state of work in preserving digital records. He will provide some suggestions 
regarding methods and tools that archives, government, scientific or historic 
institutes, and other partners can use to help ensure that an adequate and 
usable record of 21st century scientific thought is accessible well into the 
future