In September 2024, the Digital Repository of Ireland’s (DRI) Community Archive Scheme was awarded an Ireland eGovernment Award 2024 in the Open Data Category, which recognises initiatives that demonstrate comprehensive data accessibility, usability, and societal impact. As part of this award, our director Dr. Lisa Griffith was asked to participate in a podcast conversation for TransformGov – The Digital Government Podcast.
In this recorded interview, Dr. Griffith shared how DRI works to preserve and protect Ireland’s digital heritage, ensuring it remains accessible for future generations. From significant preservation milestones like OS200: A Digital Archive of Ireland’s Ordnance Survey to the cherished folklore of the Traveller community, Dr. Griffith explained how the DRI stewards these materials in the Repository.
The podcast conversation highlights the value of DRI Membership for public sector organisations with examples of how organisations are leveraging DRI’s platform, expertise, and training to efficiently archive their digital assets — without the need to build their own repositories. Dr. Griffith also unpacked the perils of postponing digital preservation and probed the risks of delay, such as corrupted or inaccessible records – and how early action can save time and resources down the road. Finally, the podcast explores how initiatives like the DRI’s Community Archive Scheme are bringing Ireland’s history to life – from preserving the lived experiences of people living under Direct Provision to Cork’s vibrant LGBT past, present and future.
DRI Director Dr. Lisa Griffith said:
“It was a great pleasure to sit down with Maeve Kneafsey and the podcast team at TransformGov to discuss DRI’s recent eGovernment Award win.
The DRI is committed to shaping a future where Ireland’s cultural and historical treasures are protected and shared for the long-term on open access. I was glad to provide a deep-dive into our Community Archive Scheme and to highlight the benefits DRI can offer to public sector organisations.”
You can listen again to this podcast of a digitally preserved and globally celebrated Ireland here.
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