Digital preservation strategy for future sustainability of Malaysia’s oral history collections

The diverse file formats and rapid technological advancements present significant issues for Archives, Libraries, research institutes, and allied organizations in maintaining the accessibility and usage of materials in the long term. The research aims to explore experts' perspectives on digital preservation strategies for oral history collections. A purposive sampling approach is employed. The panel of experts will be chosen through a peer survey rather than a random selection from a population. This pilot study is being done to assess the possibility of a full-scale investigation of the digital preservation of Malaysia's oral history collection. The research aims to investigate several variables: (1) the Expert Panel's experience and knowledge of oral history and digital preservation; (2) the technology utilized for digital preservation; (3) platforms, formats, and mediums of oral history collections; (4) allocation of funding for digital preservation initiatives; (5) short-term and long-term strategies; and (6) existing policies regarding the treatment and digital preservation of such collections. The pilot project was conducted with four (4) custodians of the Oral History Collections selected around Malaysia. The pilot study's findings are analyzed based on several variables: (1) the Expert Panel's expertise in oral history and digital preservation; (2) the technology utilized for digital preservation; (3) the platform, formats, and medium of oral history collections; (4) allocation of funding for digital preservation projects; (5) short-term and long-term strategies; and (6) current policies regarding the treatment and digital preservation of such collections. Keywords: oral history, digital preservation strategy, cultural heritage, Malaysian’s oral history collection,