2025, Vol. 7, Issue 12, Part A

Digital preservation plays a vital role in supporting academic and research excellence in higher education institutions. As universities increasingly depend on digital information for teaching, learning, and research, it has become essential to ensure that these digital materials remain accessible and usable over time. Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) and its affiliated colleges generate and use a large amount of digital content, including research papers, theses, administrative records, and e-learning materials. However, managing and preserving these resources presents several challenges.

Many colleges affiliated with CUSAT face difficulties such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of trained staff, limited funding, and the absence of clear institutional policies for digital preservation. Issues like data loss, outdated technology, and insufficient backup systems also threaten the long-term safety of digital resources. Furthermore, awareness about the importance of digital preservation among faculty and administrators is often limited, making it harder to adopt effective preservation practices.

Despite these challenges, CUSAT and its affiliated colleges also have several opportunities to strengthen their digital preservation systems. The increasing availability of cloud storage, open-source preservation tools, and government initiatives supporting digital libraries provide a strong foundation for improvement. Collaboration among colleges, training programs for librarians and IT professionals, and the development of a unified digital preservation policy could significantly enhance sustainability and access.

This paper explores the current status of digital preservation in CUSAT- affiliated colleges. It identifies key challenges faced by these institutions and suggests practical strategies to overcome them. The study emphasizes the need for planning, collaboration, and technological innovation to ensure that digital academic resources remain secure, accessible, and useful for future generations. In doing so, it contributes to strengthening the overall academic and research environment of CUSAT and its associated institutions.