Lombardi's Rules for Digital Survival

Lombardi's Rules for Digital Survival created from 30 years of engagement in the academic computer revolution:
1. The objects are not as important as the content. Collection development becomes access development. Access to content is the primary mantra of all library work. Geography becomes increasingly irrelevant.
2. Helping clients find resources in a digitally chaotic world is the first priority. Digitizing the rare book collection might be the second.
3. If a vendor promises you seamless access and modular compatibility with any future developments, expect expensive upgrades.
4. If others spend money on a similar project, let them finish before you start yours. Being first to invent large scale digital library projects is for those with money to lose, tolerant customers, and tenure. If it will take ten years to deliver value, let someone else invest in it.
5. If someone else has a service you need, buy it, do not invent it. If someone has 80% of the service you need, buy it; do not invent it.
6. Nothing currently defining the Internet will remain recognizable after 5 years.
7. There is safety in numbers; join consortia and urge others to take the lead.
8. Invest in unique products only when you have a comparative advantage and someone else pays for it.
9. For the next ten years, if it works well, is reliable, and you know how to use it, it is obsolete.
John V. Lombardi, July 1, 2000 The Center, University of Florida