NDSA:2014 Jul Agenda Outreach Meeting

NDSA Digital Stewardship Agenda Outreach Meeting Notes
Monday, July 21, 2014, Library of Congress, LM 637

Attendees: Joyce Backus, NLM; Kathleen Williams, NHPRC; Amy Friedlander, NSF; Joel Wurl, NEH; Robert Horton, IMLS; Butch Lazorchak, Abigail Potter; Jane Mandelbaum

1. Micah introduced the thinking behind NDSA releasing an annual agenda document.
a. Audience is still funders, decision makers and other stakeholders in the digital stewardship community, broadened this year include to practitioners who have to make the case for digital preservation to funders and decision makers.
b. Agenda is meant to reflect the shared priorities of the NDSA community, influence decision-makers, and point to ways to advance theory, practice, and collaboration around digital stewardship.
c. Modeled after the Horizon reports that come out from EDUCAUSE every year.

2. The 2014 Digital Stewardship Agenda has been out for almost one year. NDSA coordinating committee members and NDIIPP presented about the Agenda at several conferences and regional NDSA meetings and it was regularly referenced on the NDIIPP Signal blog. Working Groups also used the recommendations in the 2014 Agenda to shape outputs. Goals for 2015 NDSA Agenda are for it to be more specific and provide a more direct framework for NDSA work, especially the surveys that help to provide an evidence base for digital preservation. The 2015 Agenda was more broadly peer-reviewed and the initial reactions are that the 2015 is an improved version of the document and an important contribution.

3. Reactions and Suggestions from Federal Funders
a. From NEH: Very useful document, have seen it show up in a few grant proposals. Will consider including it in a list of recommended resources and supporting documentation when they release their next call for proposals.
b. NEH, IMLS & NHCRP would like to schedule a briefing at their agencies to orientate their staff to the 2015 Agenda.
c. Reach out to CENDI (fed CIOs) to make them aware of the benefits of the Agenda.
d. From IMLS: Digital preservation is hard to fund effectively, investments beyond a project cycle are required, need a way to evaluate results. The community needs tools, technologies, standards, and practices; many need to follow, few can lead in this area.
i.Agenda is helpful as they could use more help in matchmaking between organizations and help getting organizations ready for digital preservation programs.
ii. Ultimate questions/metrics are: “is the content available,” “is it of interest,” “is it being used,” and “who benefits”?
iii. NDSA is well-placed to help, it encompasses a lot of sectors.