Sustainability of digital preservation at university libraries of Pakistan

Purpose Digital preservation in university libraries is designed to foster long-term access to and stewardship of knowledge resources. This study aims to examine the sustainability of preservation policies, technologies and strategies. Design/methodology/approach The quantitative methodology was followed in this research by collecting data through questionnaires responded by Pakistani university librarians. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Findings The results reveal that sustainability measures for digital preservation policies and technologies are being taken at university libraries in Pakistan. Effective strategies have been adopted to create sustainability in the digital preservation of library material. An independent sample t-test showed no significant differences for gender or sector regarding the sustainability levels of policies, technologies or strategies. Those respondents who report low or no engagement in digital preservation activities ranked sustainability measures more favorably than those highly engaged in learning about digital preservation. Originality/value The current research outlines the dire necessity felt for feasible policies and practical strategies, supported by state-of-the-art technologies, to ensure perpetual access to hugely valued digital resources in university libraries in Pakistan.