This course WILL count towards the synchronous requirement for the DAS program.
Archives utilize a wide range of technical systems and tools to identify, capture, curate, and access both analog and digital archival records. While some institutions have the resources to purchase or develop an OAIS-compliant digital archive, many archives must integrate systems and services as funding and resources become available. In addition, almost all aspects of archival work rely on technology to some degree, including collection management, online access, or reformatting analog collections. Whether you are selecting a vendor or communicating with your organization’s technical team, it is critical to understand and articulate your archives’ technical specifications and functional requirements. From these specifications, you can build a good Request for Proposal (RFP), select a system or vendor, and successfully implement your archives’ strategic technology goals.
Upon completion of this course you’ll be able to:
- Conduct a technical gap analysis Identify and define system requirements and functional specifications
- Develop and distribute an RFI, RFP, or RFQ
- Evaluate and select technical systems, tools, or services
Who should attend? Archivists, records managers, , and administrators who need to understand and define technical requirements for archival systems, tools, or services and then develop a Request for Information, Proposal and/or Quotation (RFI, RFP, and RFQ).
What should you already know? Participants must have a working knowledge of archival and records management processes. Knowledge of digital archives and libraries is helpful but not required. This course complements other DAS courses such as Thinking Digital, Digital Curation: Fundamentals for Success, Digital Archives and Libraries, Archival Collections Management Systems, and Digital Curation Planning and Sustainable Futures.
Instructor bio:
Cynthia Ghering manages the Acquisitions unit at the State Archives of Michigan and is responsible for the identification, appraisal, and accessioning of state and local government records and historical collections. Cynthia is part of the team migrating the Archives collection management system from Argus to ArchivesSpace and automating archival workflows to ensure the timely transfer of government records. The Archives of Michigan was an early adopter of Preservica for the preservation of digital government records and continues to expand access to born-digital and digitized historical records at Michiganology.org.
Prior to her current position, Cynthia spent eleven years at Michigan State University as the director of the University Archives and Historical Collections and led technology teams in the university’s central IT unit. Cynthia also worked for eight years at the Ohio Historical Society, now the Ohio History Connection, where her last position was the assistant director of Curatorial and Collections Services. Cynthia received a BA from Western Michigan University in 1991 and an MS in Information from the University of Michigan in 1999.
DAS Tier: Tactical & Strategic
DAS Core Competency:
3. Formulate strategies and tactics for appraising, acquiring, describing, managing, organizing, preserving, and delivering digital archives.
4. Incorporate technologies throughout the archival lifecycle.
If you intend to pursue the DAS Certificate, you will need to pass the examination for this course.
Testimonials
When participants were asked “what aspect of the workshop methods/materials was most valuable to you?” responses included:
- “All aspects of the workshop worked very well together. I especially liked the discussion and examples of current systems and environments and the sample forms.”
- “This was a concise and well-organized presentation of complicated issues.” - Peggy McBride
- “This method worked well with me, and the materials gave good examples of application of the RFP and project management process applied to archives. I have had education in this area before, but not specifically in an archive-centric format.”
- “Really helped me to understand the whole process, what I need to consider, and how to approach this very complex task. The focus of the class was on process, but actual content of requirements was very well covered with readings and resource lists”
Registration Fee: Early-Bird / Regular
SAA Member: $189 / $219
Employee of SAA Member Institution: $229 / $269
Nonmember: $249 / $289