Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Essay (3000 words) | 50% |
| Semester Assessment | Report (3000 words) | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Essay (3000 words) | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Report (3000 words) | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Provide an analytical, contextual account of the development of digital preservation as a 21st century information issue;
2. Identify and critically evaluate the characteristics of digital objects, justify the need to preserve each characteristic for continued access and develop a strategy for digital preservation;
3. Propose methods for developing and maintaining control over a complex array of digital forms and formats, which address the necessary conditions, techniques and models for digital preservation;
4. Formulate rational hypotheses regarding the potential role of institutional repositories and open access initiatives in enabling digital preservation.
Brief description
Students will be provided with the theoretical knowledge and skills required to ensure the long-term accessibility to digital information through the development and administration of a digital preservation programme.
Content
Digital preservation as a discipline
The development of digital preservation as a distinct information management discipline, looking back at its historic timeline and landmark activity.
Directives for digital preservation
National and international directives for the preservation of digital materials will be considered, including legal deposit and research data management requirements.
The digital lifecycle and digital preservation strategies
The activities required to ensure the lifecycle management of digital materials, the strategies available to practicioners and the provision for resources and technology to enable this.
Policies and procedures to support digital preservation
The policy environment in which digital preservation practitioners operate and the procedural activities required to develop a strategy.
Significant properties, metadata and representation information
Digital preservation requires the identification of the significant properties to preserve and the documentation of activities and processes through the creation of specialist metadata and the collection of relevant representation information.
Dealing with formats and media
An exploration of the particular methodologies required to ensure long-term access to specialist formats and media.
Standards, tools and software for digital preservation
Specialist tools to support digital preservation along with the standards which support digital preservation activity will be explored.
Repositories and support agencies
The role of repositories and support agencies in supporting digital preservation activities will be considered.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Data analysis, structuring and sorting. |
| Communication | There will be a requirement to discuss and collaborate with members of the class. Written communication will be assessed. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Use of professional sources and documentation will foster student awareness of available learning resources and improve critical and evaluatory skills. |
| Information Technology | IT skills are integral to coursework and presentation of assignments, along with computer based practical exercises. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | The module provides an academic baseline and essential skills for information professionals. |
| Problem solving | Assignment work and practical activities will utilise professional scenarios in which strategies for dealing with particular issues and problems need to be formulated. |
| Research skills | Assignment preparation will require the identification and location of relevant academic and professional literature, and professional best practice. |
| Subject Specific Skills | The planning and delivery of a digital preservation implementation. |
| Team work | This module does not involve teamwork. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7