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Global library cooperative Online Computer Library Center, Inc. (OCLC), US, has announced a Digital Archive service for long-term storage of originals and master files from libraries' digital collections. The service is simplified to fit with a variety of digital library workflows and to keep the costs of safely storing these important files within the budget of a library's digital programme. It will provide automated monitoring and reports on stored digital collections.

The need for preserving master files grows as a library's digital collections grow. Libraries need a workflow for capturing and managing master files that finds a balance between the acquisition of both digitised and born-digital content while not outpacing a library's capability to manage these large files. OCLC has integrated the Digital Archive service to fit typical workflows for building and managing digital collections. The service seeks to provide a secure storage environment for libraries to easily manage and monitor master files and digital originals.

Connexion is the OCLC tool that allows catalogers to perform original and copy cataloging with WorldCat, an online resource for finding library materials. The Digital Archive service is a specially designed system in a controlled operating environment dedicated to the ongoing managed storage of digital content. OCLC has developed specific systems processes and procedures for the service tuned to the management of data for the long term.

For users of CONTENTdm, OCLC's digital collection management software for libraries and other cultural heritage institutions, the Digital Archive service is an optional capability integrated with various workflows for building collections. Master files are secured for ingest to the Digital Archive service using the CONTENTdm Acquisition Station, the Connexion digital import capability and the Web Harvesting service. For users of other content management systems, the Digital Archive service provides a low-overhead mechanism for safely storing master files.