Digital Preservation Advisory Unit

Foundations of Digital Preservation is a hands-on online workshop designed to introduce the core concepts, tools, and workflows needed to preserve digital content with integrity and sustainability.

The digital preservation community, throughout the past few decades, has devised a number of open-source tools and workflows that support the long-term preservation of digital assets. Even though digital preservation is a “solved problem,” there is a need for support in the field for professionals looking to earn proficiency in these tools and apply skills in their own institutional contexts.

This session is ideal for archivists, digital preservation professionals, librarians, records managers, and IT staff working with long-term data stewardship. Whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your preservation strategy, this workshop offers accessible guidance on working with file formats, ensuring data integrity, and managing digital preservation workflows. 

Topics Covered

• Identifying file formats using tools like DROID and Siegfried
• Converting proprietary files to open preservation-friendly formats (e.g., PDF/A, TIFF)
• Packaging and validating files using BagIt for secure storage and transfer
• Ensuring long-term access through file integrity checks (e.g., checksums)
• Using tools like TeraCopy for controlled data transfers
• Exploring emulation techniques for accessing legacy files 

Workshop Activities

• Tool Demo: Hands-on practice with format identification and validation tools
• Conversion Exercise: Migrating proprietary files to preservation standards
• Packaging Simulation: Using BagIt to structure and validate a digital package
• Transfer Challenge: Simulating a data handoff between institutions
• Discussion: Emulation, automation, and future-proofing your digital assets 

Course Timing

• 12:00hrs - 16:30hrs

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do I need to install any software beforehand? 
All tools used will be free and open source. Participants will receive setup instructions ahead of the workshop and support will be available during the session. No prior technical experience is required. 

Are there discounted places available? 
Yes—we are able to evaluate cases for discounted places, particularly for participants from Official Development Assistance (ODA) countries. Please email digitalpreservation@soton.ac.uk with a brief note on your situation and we will offer you a discounted ticket. 

Can I pay via invoice or purchase order?
We ask that you please attempt to use the online store to issue payments wherever possible. If you do require an invoice, please send us an email at digitalpreservation@soton.ac.uk with plenty of advance so we can get the process started for you.

Payment using the Online Store can only be completed via Visa and Mastercard Credit/Debit Card or PayPal.  AMEX is not accepted
If you have not previously created an account for the Online Store, you will need to create an account to make a booking.

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