The ‘Greening Information Management’ study has been commissioned by JISC to
establish a clearer understanding of the role that modification of information and
data management practices could play in reducing institutional consumption of energy
and resources. It therefore encompasses topics such as information life cycle
management (ILM), digital records management, digital archival practice and choices
of storage hardware.
Aims and Objectives
The aim of this project is to provide evidence that establishes the efficacy of using information management methods as components of “Green ICT” strategies within UK Higher Education environments, and to highlight existing practices which are capable of wider replication. Specific objectives are:
- To investigate and summarise existing literature and activity in the GIM field;
- To identify and articulate the various ways that those responsible for managing information within UK HE institutions could or might use technological means to intelligently decrease the amount of digital information that it is necessary for them to manage, whilst still demonstrating effective stewardship of all required information;
- To undertake a practical analysis of collections of information or data held by at least four different institutions to determine the real-world potential for implementing more energy efficient data management measures, especially ILM;
- To produce a report detailing the results of the above analysis and drawing conclusions about the likelihood of these measures to make an effective sector-wide contribution to the Green ICT agenda;
- To provide materials which will encourage individual institutions to take greater action to achieve more energy efficient data management;
- To produce recommendations to JISC and other bodies for further related work in this area.