Course Description

Truly a Digital Repositories 101 course! Participate in knowledge-building discussions and activities that focus on defining, selecting, and implementing digital repositories (DRs) as well as a review of basic decisions that must be made before and during the development of a digital collection and digital repository program. The instructors address the role of the archivist in DR construction and deployment; the standards, best practices, and realities of content and metadata deposit; the strategies for developing administrative structures; policies; the long-term preservation concerns; and marketing your repository.

Interactive activities throughout the seminar lead to a better understanding of your local institution and to a roadmap for program development.

Upon Completion of this course you’ll be able to:

• Explain the basic decisions underlying the development of a digital repository program;
• Differentiate between the components necessary to implement a viable digital repository service;
• Evaluate existing and proposed repository initiatives at your local institutions for identified elements of a successful deployment;
• Reference existing digital repositories and the characteristics they illustrate;
• Identify areas in which you might build your knowledge base and/or skill sets to meet the needs of a digital repository program; and
• Recognize local areas where there is a collision of theory and practice and identify guides, models, and additional resources to help you resolve the conflicts in a viable, responsible way.

Who Should Attend? Archivists or information professionals who have working knowledge of digital collections but are in need of a digital repository primer, either because they or their unit has been identified as the ideal location for these activities or because their institutions are engaging in repository activities and seek guidance on content development, standards, preservation needs, and/or marketing strategies. This course also appeals to new archivists and mid-career archivists who are looking to increase their knowledge base regarding digital repositories; or, employees of organizations that wish to implement a digital asset management system or institutional repository.

What Should You Know?  Basic metadata schemas, digital content creation, digital capture factors, and have a basic awareness of digital storage and preservation issues.

This course is one of the Tactical and Strategic Courses in the Digital Archives Specialist (DAS) Curriculum and Certificate Program. If you intend to pursue the Certificate, you'll need to pass the examination for this course.  Please follow Option 1 to access exam information.

To Register: http://saa.archivists.org/events/digital-repositories-1599/594/.