Company
Date Published
Author
Julia Metcalf
Word count
1024
Language
English
Hacker News points
None

Summary

GitHub has embarked on an ambitious initiative called the GitHub Archive Program, aimed at preserving open source software for future generations, highlighting the GitHub Arctic Code Vault in Svalbard, Norway, where a substantial amount of repository data has been stored. As part of this program, GitHub is also securing important open source projects in four additional locations, known as the "Greatest Hits," which include the Bodleian Library at Oxford University, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt, and Stanford Libraries in California, with an additional set at GitHub headquarters. These archives, stored on piqlFilm and enclosed in artistically crafted cases, emphasize the importance of beauty in preservation, as articulated by advisors who believe visually appealing items are more likely to endure. This effort aligns with the LOCKSS principle of distributing copies globally to safeguard open-source software, which underpins a significant portion of current technology. These archives are not only a testament to the technological advancements but also to the artistic and cultural legacy of open source, with contributions from artist Alex Maki-Jokela, who has incorporated advanced 3D printing and AI-generated art into the design of the archival cases.