GPU-based video encoding is widely available, efficient, and performant, but it has not been adopted in Digital Preservation tooling due to a lack of support for preservation codecs and a quality deficit when working with more common consumer codecs. Recently it has become possible to encode preservation-standard FFV1 video in ffmpeg using a GPU, which effectively addresses all previously-existing limitations of this approach. This short paper frames the current state of the art as well as why this development is so potentially useful, and provides a case study of using GPU-accelerated FFV1 encoding with Temporal, a Durable Execution platform that can enable further scaling.

Generally file formats on modern systems are single byte streams, and there are many tools available to help identify and determine what software is needed to make use of the format. When dealing with formats born on Macintosh systems, a single byte stream is often not all that is needed to make use of the formats. On older Macintosh systems a Type/Creator code and a resource fork are often needed, and on more modern systems there are other challenges that need to be addressed. This paper explores some popular formats and tools that are needed to properly assess and capture important metadata in a preservation workflow. The formats explored in this paper use a complex document package to create a file format.

This paper outlines a collaborative initiative by European national archives within the Open Preservation Foundation (OPF) to address the long-term preservation of spreadsheet data. Recognizing the risks associated with vendor lock-in and the ephemeral nature of commercial software solutions, the group focused on adopting and extending the OpenDocument Spreadsheet format (ISO 26300), an open standard. They developed a free and open-source (FOSS) validation tool to ensure compliance with both the standard and additional archival requirements, such as disallowing encryption and macros. This case study demonstrates the benefits of community-driven development, open standards, and FOSS tools for digital preservation, highlighting the importance of organizations like the OPF in maintaining long-term access to information.

The world of digital heritage is rapidly evolving, with 3D scanning becoming increasingly common use to preserve valuable heritage artifacts. Are we adequately preparing for the long term? Our research into the preservation of 3D scans tackles that crucial question, by investigating how cultural heritage institutions preserve these valuable 3D assets. A recent international survey and literature review revealed a concerning gap: while 3D digitisation speeds ahead, preservation often lags behind. Many organisations rely on fragile solutions like simple backups or online platforms, hardly ideal for ensuring future access and understanding the data.

Our study emphasizes that robust preservation requires more than just saving the 3D file itself. It highlights the importance of selecting appropriate archival formats, favouring open and text-based options like X3D, STL, and OBJ, alongside preserving original raw scanner data, a vital safeguard against future software incompatibilities.

Comprehensive metadata is key to preserve these 3D models. This goes beyond descriptive and technical metadata, but includes paradata and provenance metadata. Paradata is detailed information of the creation of the model, such as scanner settings, processing techniques and decisions. Provenance metadata describes the history and origins of a 3D model, ensuring authenticity and transparency. We researched specialised 3D metadata models like CRMdig and the Smithsonian 3D Metadata Model which provide the ability to store these essential metadata.

Ultimately, this research journey underscores a critical need: to bridge the gap between rapid digitisation and thoughtful preservation. By prioritising raw data, embracing open formats, and implementing robust metadata strategies, we can safeguard these digital treasures and the stories they tell for generations to come.

In response to growing challenges in preserving cultural heritage sites, this study introduces a metaverse-based framework that transforms static digital preservation into an immersive, interactive digital ecosystem. The framework employs a structured ontological approach for high-fidelity data acquisition and multi-scale modeling that integrates both geometric and semantic layers. An advanced metaverse platform utilizing advanced mixed reality technologies provides context-aware, multisensory narratives, while a dynamic narrative engine—powered by knowledge structuring, adaptive interaction logic, and multimodal integration—enables personalized storytelling. The Digital Shaolin project serves as a case study, demonstrating the practical reconstruction and dissemination of the Shaolin Temple’s cultural heritage. This study contributes to the development of a sustainable and evolving model for digital heritage preservation and engagement.