Architectural choices in LOCKSS networks

Abstract

Purpose – The LOCKSS digital preservation technology collects, preserves and disseminates content in peer-to-peer networks. Many such networks are in use. The Global LOCKSS Network (GLN) is an open network with many nodes in which libraries preserve academic journals and books that they purchase. The CLOCKSS network is a closed network, managed by a non-profit consortium of publishers and libraries to form a dark archive of e-journal content. There are also many Private LOCKSS Networks (PLNs) preserving various genres of content. Each of these networks is configured to meet the specific requirements of its community and the content it preserves. This paper seeks to address these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This paper describes these architectural choices and discusses a development that could enable other configurations. Findings – Third-party rights databases would allow hosted LOCKSS networks. Practical implications – Hosted LOCKSS networks would be cheaper. Originality/value – Reducing cost of digital preservation is important in a time of strained library budgets.