Course Details

Wed, Feb 11, 2015,through Thu, Feb 12, 2015
Temple University Libraries
Philadelphia, PA

On Day One, you are introduced to processing strategies that are applicable to born-digital records, with an emphasis on basic concepts that archivists use to establish descriptive control over digital content. You’ll learn about standards and tools that can be used to implement an integrated processing strategy. You’ll also participate in a set of instructor-led exercises that arrange and describe some electronic records in ways that maintain the integrity and authenticity of the digital records. A laptop is required to participate in this course, and you must have the ability to install and use open-source software on that laptop..

In the morning, you’ll review the unique processing challenges posed by electronic records before undertaking a detailed discussion on how standards, protocols, and best practices can help you address those challenges. In the afternoon session, you will explore to applicability of Describing Archives: A Content Standard (external link)  to digital records and manuscripts. The instructor will demonstrate the use of basic tools that implement descriptive standards and best practices, leading you in a processing exercise that results in the generation of an archival information packet for some relatively homogeneous records. The day will conclude with a discussion of lessons learned and next steps to be taken - considering individual repository needs.

Upon completion of Day One you'll be able to:

• List the major processing challenges posed by electronic records;
• Suggest strategies to mitigate them;
• Identify the elements of an integrated arrangement and descriptive program for electronic materials;
• Describe the major standards supporting the description of electronic materials; and
• Identify basic tools that will help you to arrange and describe born-digital records.

Who Should Attend? Repository managers, archivists, practitioners, and anyone responsible for the arrangement and description of electronic records.

What Should You Know? Registrants should have basic knowledge about digital preservation strategies.  This course builds on others in the Digital Archives Specialist (DAS) curriculum including Basic Electronic Records.

On Day Two , you’re introduced to advanced processing strategies that are applicable to born-digital and hybrid (i.e. mixed analog and digital) records, with an emphasis on hands-on work. We’ll use a variety of software tools to establish descriptive control over digital archives, focusing on arrangement and description at the collection and series levels. The instructor will demonstrate specific techniques, and you’ll practice them on a sample a set of sample records and/or materials supplied by your repository. A laptop is required to participate in this course, and you must have the ability to install and use open-source software on that laptop. In the morning, we’ll review the functional requirements that must be met by a program to arrange and describe heterogeneous digital materials, focusing on the implications that the OAIS Reference Model and DACS have regarding archival processing workflows. Then we’ll use open-source tools to process digital records at the collection level. In the afternoon session, we’ll undertake additional processing exercises, focusing on control at the series and file levels, resulting in the production of descriptive, structural, and preservation metadata that is stored in an archival information packet. We’ll conclude the workshop by discussing factors to be considered when selecting tools and developing processing services - considering repository needs, resources, and capabilities.

Upon completion of Day Two you'll be able to:

• Use standards and tools that support an integrated processing workflow for digital materials;
• Evaluate and use software to process electronic records in a way that preserves their identity, significant characteristics, evidential value, and utility; and
• Make implementation decisions in order to develop a processing workflow that is suitable for your repository.

Course Format:	On Site
Address:	Temple University Libraries
Duration:	2 Days
Audience Category:	Repository managers, archivists, practitioners, and anyone responsible for the arrangement and description of electronic records
Level:	Intermediate
Instructor(s):	Dr. Chris J. Prom
Maximum Attendees:	35
Cost Range:	$319 - 409 Member $399 - $459 Non-member
Provider:	Temple University Libraries
Sponsored by:	Society of American Archivists

Course Website (external link)

This information is provided as a convenience for informational purposes only; it does not constitute an endorsement by the Library of Congress.