Digital Preservation: Planning and Collaboration for Small Institutions

Hosted & Co-Sponsored by: The Masters' Program in Museum Leadership at
Drexel University Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, Philadelphia, PA 

How does preservation planning fit into a changing digital landscape? Today’s institutions are digitizing their collections to broaden access and reduce stress upon primary documents. Unfortunately, the most widely promoted models for digital preservation planning tend to assume more resources, staffing, and funding than are typically available at small and even medium-size collecting institutions. Valuable “best practices” have been developed by libraries and archives, but creative adaptations must sometimes be employed to make them practical for smaller institutions. If smaller institutions become overwhelmed by expectations, they run the risk of endlessly deferring the important work of digitizing their rare and unique holdings.

Conscientious planning in advance can develop cost efficient digital preservation programs. Collaborative efforts undertaken with other small institutions can often provide larger benefits for all involved. Planning requires thoughtful decisions regarding prioritization, standards, staff responsibilities, and the ultimate management and use of the new digital files. With the creation of a step-by-step process, the enormous challenge of digital preservation can be met, even by smaller institutions with limited resources.

This two-part workshop is designed to be practical and outcome-driven, with goals of creating tailored plans for digital preservation, as well as building and strengthening institutional relationships. The two days of the workshop will be separated by several weeks in order to accommodate the preparation of information-gathering “homework” by participants. The workshop will foster an environment of collaboration, networking, and conversation.

PART 1 OCTOBER 28TH
Presenters will share basic existing resources, models for successful collaboration, and theoretical background.

PART 2 DECEMBER 16TH
Participants will be introduced in guided sessions to particular software programs and other tools for effective workflow.

The work of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance is made possible through the generous support of committed individuals and institutions.