Data Preservation and Long Term Analysis in High Energy Physics

High energy physics data is a long term investment and contains the potential for physics results beyond the lifetime of a collaboration. Many existing experiments are concluding their physics programs, and looking at ways to preserve their data heritage. Preservation of high-energy physics data and data analysis structures is a challenge, and past experience has shown it can be difficult if adequate planning and resources are not provided. A study group has been formed to provide guidelines for such data preservation efforts in the future. Key areas to be investigated were identified at a workshop at DESY in January 2009, to be followed by a workshop at SLAC in May 2009. More information can be found at http://dphep.org