Intellectual Property and Electronic Theses
Dr. Theo Andrew The role of this briefing paper is to raise awareness of the main issues involved when converting paper-based theses into a digital format. This change of media has many implications for the way theses are created, stored, organised, managed and accessed. This briefing paper specifically examines the agreements required by an institution when managing and storing theses in electronic format. This includes existing theses held by institutions in paper format and those presented by students electronically (born digital). These agreements typically involve those which may need to be obtained from the author, the institution or some other third party. A number of sample agreements are presented, which are intended to be adapted to suit an individual institution’s circumstances.
Copyright and Cultural Institutions: Guidelines for Digitization for U.S. Libraries, Archives, and Museums
Print copies of "Copyright and Cultural Institutions" are available for purchase at https://www.createspace.com/3405063.
Digital Archive Costs: Facts and Fallacies
Ashley challenges two major myths related to the costs involved in digital preservation. The lack of useful sources of information on the subject has led to two false beliefs being adopted. The first is that archive costs depend primarily on the volume of data to be stored, and the second is that data storage costs are very high. 
Both beliefs are unfounded as storage costs are not the primary cost involved in a digital preservation programme. The primary influences are in fact analogous with those associated with traditional forms of archival storage. The costs actually lie in the various types of preservation services that can be made available. Variables in cost arise in activities such as acquiring materials, preservation and access issues. The more services offered and the more activity involved in providing access, the higher the cost. In Ashley’s own experience, it is staff and not data volume that is the biggest influence on cost. 
 
This article provides a more practical look at the concerns of preservation. In essence this pragmatic approach is a welcome response to some digital preservation concerns, as it answers some of the most basic fears of many organisations. By focusing on the requirements of the information and the users of that information, we can get a clearer picture of the nature of digital archive costs.