SHAMAN Project have thought Digital Preservation as communication with the future, since prosperity for future generations is linked to keeping value of today’s digital assets by granting proper access to digital content in the future.

We can see this approach for example in different MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding) that the BBC have signed with different partners during 2009.

In December 2009 the BBC signed a MOU with the BBC, in an innovative approach that foresees to integrate access to nearly a million hours of BBC TV and radio content and over 150 million British Library items; it will increase the access to research material across both national institutions for the benefit of researchers and the wider public.

The MOU also takes in account collaboration in developing viable approaches for rights management, distribution of archive content, digitisation and storage.

Mark Thompson, Director General of BBC said "Unlocking the wealth of content in the British Library and BBC archives is a great opportunity as well as an immense challenge. It is vital we partner, harnessing the power of digital technology to give the public the access they deserve."

CEO of the British Library Dame Lynne said “Unparalleled access to joint information services and world-class digital archival content will truly enable the business, academic, scientific, research and creative communities to flourish."

The BBC also has signed earlier this year MOUs with the British Film Institute and the BBC and The National Archives.

Source: BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8408818.stm