LOC Novel High-Density Optical Data Storage
The Library of Congress is exploring the feasibility of ultra-high-density optical data storage for long-term preservation of a curated subset of its digital collections. It currently manages over 1 billion unique digital preservation objects (~33 petabytes) and seeks a medium with high areal density, long lifespan, reduced maintenance/migration cycles, immutability, and durability. The effort aims to encode 1TB of Library data in video, audio, image, and text formats onto robust high-density optical media, validate preservation techniques, detect errors, and achieve 100% recovery and readback. Documentation must cover successful processes, shortcomings, error rates, timelines, solutions, risks, trends, and technological improvements, culminating in a proof of concept for potential indefinite storage. A carefully curated data subset will also be isolated for educational and artistic display for Library visitors.