Why is having "lots of copies" important in digital preservation?

Having "lots of copies" is fundamental in digital preservation because it establishes redundancy, which is a critical strategy for protecting against data loss. Digital media is inherently vulnerable to various risks, such as hardware failures, software corruption, obsolescence of formats, and even natural disasters or cybersecurity threats. By maintaining multiple copies of digital files, archives can safeguard against these risks.

This practice ensures that, even if one copy becomes inaccessible or irretrievable, others remain intact, thus preserving the integrity and availability of the data over time. Redundancy allows archivists to create a safety net, ensuring that important digital assets can be recovered and accessed even in the face of unexpected challenges. This approach to redundancy is a key principle in digital preservation strategies and is vital for maintaining long-term access to digital content.