Digital Preservation of Cultural Heritage

Abstract

Given that cultural heritage resources are irreplaceable, their protection is critical. Digital preservation has become a popular method for safeguarding cultural heritage resources in recent years. The purpose of this chapter was to determine how digital preservation can be used as a strategy to promote access to cultural heritage for sustainable development of South African rural communities. Data collection was based on a critical review of literature in order to analyze policy and mechanisms being put in place for effective preservation of cultural heritage. Findings revealed that most of African rural communities do not have mechanisms for safeguarding their cultural heritage, and there is lack of technological tools for preservation of cultural heritage. Cultural heritage policy should also be implemented and better explained to the rural communities' authorities.