Why is it important for archival staff to learn about digital practices?

Understanding digital practices is essential for archival staff primarily because it enhances the preservation of digital collections. In the evolving landscape of information management, digital materials present unique challenges that differ significantly from traditional physical collections. Archival staff need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to implement appropriate strategies that ensure the longevity and integrity of digital assets.

Digital preservation involves not only safeguarding data from loss but also maintaining its accessibility and usability over time. This may include employing specific tools, employing metadata creation, utilizing formats that are less susceptible to obsolescence, and establishing protocols for migration and refreshing storage media. As technology and formats change, staff knowledgeable in digital practices can effectively adapt preservation techniques to new developments, ensuring that digital collections remain accessible to future users.

The emphasis on preservation is especially critical considering that digital formats can deteriorate or become obsolete faster than physical formats. Thus, training in digital practices equips archival staff with the necessary skills to proactively manage these trends, ensuring long-term access and preservation of digital collections.