The Health Heritage Index findings on digital collections

The Heritage Health Index, the first comprehensive survey of the condition of U.S. collections, concluded that immediate action is needed to save millions of artifacts held by archives, historical societies, libraries, museums, and archaeological and scientific research organizations. The study, conducted by Heritage Preservation in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, revealed new and compelling data on the preservation needs of digital materials. While the recommendations of A Public at Risk: The Heritage Health Index Report on the State of America’s Collections (http://www.heritagepreservation.org/HHI/summary.html) apply to all types of collections, the extensive dissemination and publicity that the study has received makes it an effective advocacy tool for digital preservation.