Preserving Translations of the Bible for Future Generations

Computer data will last for ever...

...or ten years if we can't read the files

XXX Data Cartridges. Reliability you can trust. ONE YEAR WARRANTY. If the product is found to be defective, our only obligation is replacement of the data cartridge with another one.

(Quoted from a well-known brand of Data Cartridge)

Purposes

The purposes of the Project are:

to preserve in known, established locations all available computer files of Scripture
on storage media that will be readable in the future
in file formats that are not software dependent
without compromising ownership and copyright
for future generations.

Background

Bible agencies have been very good at maintaining and archiving Scriptures in printed book form. But, up until now, there has never been a systematic cross-agency attempt to collect the computer files for all printed Scripture.

Unfortunately, many computer files have already been lost or never existed. Some are now in inaccessible formats and others have become unreadable because of media deterioration. In some cases, files are inaccessible because we cannot obtain the software any more. All these will result in difficulties for Bible publishing agencies if they wish to re-print in the future. Because of these factors, there is an urgent need to collect all the existing files.

Methodology

The project is using the following methods to preserve files:

Mirrored Sites. We store files in several mirrored sites in different locations. Normally these locations are our own storage sites plus the client's site.
Secure Servers. Files are stored on a secure server that is backed up remotely. Files will be migrated to newer media when these become established as the new, internationally preferred, standard storage media. The original storage media will also be kept. This will avoid getting into a "digital black hole" where media cannot be read because the necessary drives are no longer available.
File Formats. File formats that can easily be read by most systems are normally text files using Standard Format or Extended Hyper-Text Markup Language (XML). These are not dependent on proprietary software. If files are submitted in proprietary software formats, we will retain these files but also convert the files into more easily readable forms.
Non-Release Policy. Files will not be issued to members of the public, nor to other agencies, but only to the client or the client's specified representative. Ownership will thus not be compromised.
Single Location. This will provide a "one-stop" location for all Scripture files. Currently Scripture files are scattered in the archives, cardboard boxes and cupboards of many Bible agencies. People do not know where to go in order to get the files they need.
Keyboarding. We have an extensive team of over 400 people who are actively involved in keyboarding Scripture - both newly translated material and books where no computer files are available. We do this work on request.
Cost. There is no charge for the archiving service, nor for the keyboarding service.
Strategy. We believe that the creation of this collection is a strategic step for the development and growth of the worldwide Church in the future.

Next Steps

If you are a member of the board or a senior computer data specialist in a Bible organisation, you may want to consider sharing your resources with this project. We will provide you with a copy of your material that will make an excellent, standardised and readable archive for your own use. We will also be helping to ensure the availability of Scripture in the world's languages for future generations.

Please will you discuss this service with the other members of your board? We would like to start working together with you as soon as possible. Please contact the WA-UK office.

More Information

For more detailed information about this project, see The Preservation of Digital Files of Scripture for Future Generations.
If you are interested in depositing Scripture materials with us, you may want to look at the Deposit Agreement that we use.
For further reading on the problem of preserving digital information, see Jeff Rothenburg's article "Ensuring the Longevity of Digital Information".
For further reading on practical steps to be taken, download " Preservation Management of Digital Materials: A Handbook" by Neil Beagrie and Maggie Jones.