History or Hoarding? A Fascinating Look at the Future of Preservation

In the ABC series History or Hoarding?, journalist and broadcaster Annabel Crabb explores the complex world of preservation in the digital age. Beginning with the discovery of deteriorating microfilm in one of Australia's oldest libraries, the series examines some of the biggest questions facing archivists, records managers, libraries and everyday Australians.

From the longevity of cloud storage and the security of emails to the preservation of photographs and historical records, the series challenges assumptions about whether digital information can truly last forever. It also explores the surprising value of traditional preservation methods and asks whether our tendency to hold onto information may sometimes be the right approach.

For records and information management professionals, the series offers an engaging and accessible look at the challenges of digital preservation, technological obsolescence and the ongoing responsibility to protect our collective memory. It serves as a timely reminder that preserving information is not simply about storage, it is about ensuring future generations can access, trust and understand the records of today.

Whether you're an archivist, records manager, information professional or simply curious about the future of history, History or Hoarding? is well worth a listen, here.