Wollongong's Approach to Duplicate Image Replacement: A Global Comparison

Wollongong's University of Wollongong is currently undertaking a project to replace duplicate images in its digital archives, a move that is expected to reduce storage costs by up to 30%.

This project matters now because the city is in the midst of a significant digital transformation, driven in part by the NSW Government's Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Development Fund, which has allocated $50 million for digital infrastructure projects in the region. As the city's digital footprint grows, so too does the need for efficient and sustainable data management practices. The University of Wollongong's project is a key part of this effort, and its approach to duplicate image replacement is being closely watched by other institutions and organisations in the city.

Locally, the project is being supported by a range of organisations, including the Wollongong City Council, which has provided funding and resources to support the development of digital preservation strategies. The council's own digital archives, which include images and documents related to the city's history and development, are also being reviewed and updated as part of the project. Specific locations, such as the Wollongong Library and the Illawarra Museum, are also being utilised to store and preserve the city's digital heritage. Additionally, the BlueScope Steel facility in Port Kembla is being used as a test site for the project's data management practices.

Data-Driven Decision Making

According to data from the University of Wollongong, the project has already resulted in a significant reduction in storage costs, with an estimated saving of $150,000 per year. This is based on an analysis of the university's digital archives, which found that up to 20% of images were duplicates. By replacing these duplicates with a single, master copy, the university is able to reduce its storage needs and improve the overall efficiency of its digital preservation practices. The project is also expected to improve the city's overall digital sustainability, with a target reduction of 15% in the city's digital carbon footprint by 2028.

So what happens next? As the project continues to roll out, residents and organisations in Wollongong can expect to see a range of benefits, from improved access to digital archives and collections, to reduced costs and improved sustainability. The city's approach to duplicate image replacement is also likely to serve as a model for other cities and institutions, both in Australia and around the world. For those looking to get involved, the University of Wollongong is offering a range of training and professional development opportunities, including workshops and seminars on digital preservation and data management. The Wollongong City Council is also providing resources and support for residents and organisations looking to develop their own digital preservation strategies, including a dedicated website and hotline.