Practical Exploration of Digital Preservation Capability Training for

Practical Exploration of Digital Preservation Capability Training for IT Professionals

Enhancing Digital Preservation Expertise: A Comprehensive Training Framework for IT Teams

In the dynamic world of technology, the responsibility of preserving our digital heritage has become increasingly crucial. As seasoned IT professionals, we must equip ourselves with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle the complex challenges of digital preservation. This article delves into a comprehensive training framework developed by the National Digital Preservation Program (NDPP) in China, offering practical insights and strategies that can empower IT teams to excel in this vital domain.

Understanding the NDPP: A Pioneering Effort in Digital Preservation

The NDPP, established in 2013, is a collaborative system involving over 200 academic libraries in China. Its primary objectives are to explore compliant preservation of digital publications within the country and participate in the preservation of global digital resources. As one of the first teams to conduct digital preservation work in China, the NDPP is committed to raising awareness and improving digital preservation capabilities.

Assessing the Capability Needs of the NDPP Team

The NDPP team consists of over 90 individuals from six participating institutions, with approximately 80 dedicated team members. While the team members possess a diverse range of backgrounds, including computer science, library science, and business management, they often lacked comprehensive understanding and practical experience in digital preservation.

Through a thorough assessment, the NDPP identified several key capability gaps within the team:

1. Conceptual Understanding: Some team members had a limited grasp of the fundamental principles and concepts of digital preservation, leading to confusion over certain aspects.
2. Knowledge of Standards and Norms: The team’s understanding of international standards and regulations related to digital preservation was either superficial or non-existent.
3. Technical Competencies: Many team members were unfamiliar with the technical tools and systems used in digital preservation, hindering their ability to effectively implement and maintain the required systems.
4. Resource Negotiation Skills: The content and focus of negotiations for digital preservation resources differed from typical commercial resource procurement, requiring specialized skills.
5. Interdepartmental Communication: Communication barriers existed among team members from different institutions, impeding information sharing and collaboration.

To address these gaps and enhance the team’s digital preservation capabilities, the NDPP developed a comprehensive training framework.

The NDPP Digital Preservation Capability Training Framework

The NDPP’s training framework encompasses six areas of knowledge content and ten different training activities, tailored to meet the specific needs of the dedicated teams responsible for digital preservation work.

Knowledge Content Areas

1. Foundational Digital Preservation Knowledge: Covering the basic principles, concepts, and international standards related to digital preservation.
2. Operational Skills: Focused on the functional modules, usage workflows, and maintenance of the NDPP’s digital preservation system.
3. Technology and Development: Addressing the technical development, maintenance, and emerging trends in digital preservation technologies and tools.
4. Resource Planning and Preservation Rights: Exploring digital resource risk assessment, preservation strategies, legal and regulatory matters, and negotiation of rights and interests.
5. Communication and Collaboration: Developing effective communication skills, team collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
6. Continuous Learning: Ensuring team members stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and trends in the field of digital preservation.

Training Activities

1. Specialized Training Sessions: Regular sessions covering specific operational work requirements and knowledge gaps.
2. Academic Salons: Periodic discussions with external experts to share knowledge and experiences.
3. Small-scale Online Meetings: Ad-hoc meetings for team members to exchange experiences and collectively explore solutions to problems.
4. Practical Simulations: Hands-on exercises, such as mock negotiations, data analysis, and emergency service drills.
5. WeChat Official Account: An informative platform for pushing research updates, reading recommendations, and news to the digital preservation community.
6. NDPP Project Website: A hub for resource sharing, including training materials, research findings, and work reports.
7. Bulletins and Annual Reports: Regular publications to keep the team informed of global advancements in the field.
8. Nationwide Academic Conferences: Annual events for sharing the latest research, fostering discussions, and promoting collaboration.
9. Open Days: Targeted outreach events for partner institutions and data resource providers to facilitate understanding and collaboration.
10. Outreach Materials: Educational handbooks and promotional materials to increase public awareness of digital preservation.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Training

To ensure the training achieves its intended purpose, the NDPP employs a multifaceted approach to evaluation:

1. Instant Feedback: Questionnaires administered immediately after training sessions to assess participants’ understanding and the overall effectiveness.
2. Work Performance Inspection: Observing the participants’ performance in their actual work environment or during practical simulations to gauge the impact of the training.
3. Participant Evaluation and Continuous Improvement: Gathering feedback from participants to identify areas for improvement and address emerging training needs.

Sustaining the Digital Preservation Capability Development

As new technologies and best practices continuously emerge, maintaining a learning-oriented team is crucial for the long-term success of digital preservation efforts. The NDPP’s training framework is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing for regular updates and expansions to keep pace with the evolving landscape.

In the coming years, the NDPP plans to:

1. Refine the Training Framework: Continuously assess the effectiveness of the training and incorporate feedback from team members to enhance the framework.
2. Expand Training for Business Management Teams: Recognize the importance of involving decision-makers and strategists in digital preservation capabilities.
3. Strengthen Alliance Cooperation: Foster collaboration within the digital preservation community in China to further promote knowledge sharing and best practices.

Conclusion: Empowering IT Professionals for Digital Preservation

The NDPP’s comprehensive training framework serves as a valuable model for IT professionals seeking to enhance their digital preservation capabilities. By addressing the diverse knowledge and skill requirements, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and promoting cross-organizational collaboration, the NDPP has demonstrated a proactive approach to ensuring the long-term preservation of our digital heritage.

As IT experts, we play a pivotal role in safeguarding the digital future. By embracing the lessons learned from the NDPP’s experience and implementing similar training programs within our own organizations, we can empower our teams to tackle the evolving challenges of digital preservation with confidence and expertise.