Foundations of Digital Preservation for Beginners (Online)

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

Over the past few decades, the digital preservation community has devised a number of open-source tools and workflows to 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. Aimed at beginners, 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
• Understanding the structure of file formats and signatures through hexadecimal editors and resources such as PRONOM
• Converting proprietary files to open preservation-friendly formats
• Packaging and validating files using BagIt for secure storage and transfer  
• Ensuring long-term access through file integrity checks  

Workshop Activities  

• Tool Demo: Hands-on practice with format identification and validation tools  
• Conversion Exercise: Migrating proprietary or obsolete file formats to preservation-suitable formats
• Packaging Simulation: Using BagIt to structure and validate a digital package  
• Discussion: Access and preservation, migration and emulation, and decision-making in digital preservation 

Workshop Location: online
Workshop Timings: 11:00 - 15:30

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do I need to install any software before the workshop? 
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, although familiarity with command line is helpful. 

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.

RITM0796440