PDF in 2109?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider whether PDF formats are appropriate for long‐term digital archiving.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of examining how well PDF's capabilities fit eReader devices that future scholars may use in addition to or instead of paper print‐outs.

Findings

Fixity is the advantage that PDF offers for archiving, while its alternatives generally offer greater flexibility for eReader devices. The question for long‐term digital archiving is whether fixity or flexibility best suits the interests of future readers?

Originality/value

PDF is widely accepted as a digital archiving format and PDF documents are found in virtually every repository. There has, however, been little discussion as to whether the fixed format is not in fact a long‐term disadvantage.

Citation

Seadle, M. (2009), "PDF in 2109?", Library Hi Tech, Vol. 27 No. 4, pp. 639-644. https://doi.org/10.1108/07378830911007772