Abstract:

Personal digital archiving means the longterm preservation of born digital and digitized documents that are created during individual’s practice, belong to individuals and worth preserving. The subjects who implement the archiving activity are individual themselves. This article analyzed practical experiences abroad from three aspects of products and services developed for individuals，research programs exploring how individuals conduct digital archiving，and propaganda and instruction work of cultural institutions such as libraries and archives towards the public. Finally, the paper introduced domestic practical situations, analyzed their deficiencies, and by reference to international experiences, pointed out the root of these deficiencies, namely lack of personal motivation and the neglect of social motivation. Thus, it’s advocated that institutions like libraries and archives actively carry out publicizing and instructing work towards the public.

Key words: Personal digital archiving, Practical experiences abroad, Enlightenment