Digital Library Management and Preservation is a vital training course designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills required to manage and preserve digital information assets effectively. With the rapid digitization of information, libraries and information centers must adapt to new technologies and methodologies to remain relevant and provide seamless access to digital resources. This course focuses on the principles and practices of digital library management, including digital content creation, metadata standards, preservation strategies, and access frameworks. Participants will also explore emerging trends and challenges in digital preservation, such as technological obsolescence and data security, ensuring that they are well-prepared to manage digital libraries in the modern era.

Target Audience
This course is tailored for:

• Librarians, archivists, and information professionals managing digital collections.
• IT professionals and systems administrators working in library or archival settings.
• Knowledge and information managers in academic, corporate, or government institutions.
• Educators and researchers interested in digital libraries and preservation.
• Professionals transitioning from traditional library management to digital environments.

Course Objectives
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamentals of digital library management and the role of digital libraries in modern information ecosystems.
• Develop and implement strategies for creating, organizing, and managing digital content using international metadata and cataloging standards.
• Apply best practices in digital preservation to ensure long-term accessibility and usability of digital assets.
• Utilize tools and technologies for digitization, metadata creation, and digital repository management.
• Identify and address challenges such as data integrity, copyright, and digital rights management in digital libraries.
• Explore emerging trends, such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing, and their applications in digital library management.
• Enhance user access and engagement through innovative services and tools.
• Build sustainable digital library programs aligned with institutional goals and user needs.

This course combines theoretical knowledge with practical exercises to ensure participants are well-equipped to manage and preserve digital information in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

Duration:           5 Days

Course Content

Introduction to Digital Libraries

• Overview of digital libraries: definitions, scope, and importance.
• The evolution of libraries from traditional to digital.
• Key features and components of a digital library.

Digital Content Creation

• Digitization of print materials: tools and techniques.
• Conversion of audio, video, and multimedia resources into digital formats.
• Quality assurance in digitization processes.

Metadata Standards and Digital Cataloging

• Understanding metadata and its importance in digital libraries.
• Introduction to common metadata standards (e.g., Dublin Core, MARC, MODS).
• Practical applications of metadata creation and tagging.

Digital Collection Development

• Strategies for developing and managing digital collections.
• Selection and acquisition of digital resources.
• Licensing and copyright considerations for digital content.

Digital Preservation Principles

• The importance of preserving digital content for future generations.
• Types of preservation strategies: migration, emulation, and replication.
• Long-term preservation challenges and solutions.

Digital Repository Management

• Overview of digital repositories and their functions.
• Open-source and proprietary repository software (e.g., DSpace, CONTENTdm).
• Setting up and maintaining a digital repository.

Intellectual Property and Copyright in Digital Libraries

• Copyright laws and policies for digital materials.
• Digital rights management (DRM) systems.
• Balancing access and protection of digital resources.

Technologies for Digital Library Systems

• Key technologies enabling digital libraries: cloud computing, AI, and machine learning.
• Hardware and software requirements for digital library systems.
• Introduction to integrated library systems (ILS).

User Access and Interfaces

• Designing user-friendly interfaces for digital libraries.
• Customizing user access settings and permissions.
• Enhancing discoverability through search optimization.

Data Security and Integrity in Digital Libraries

• Safeguarding digital content from threats (e.g., hacking, data breaches).
• Backup and disaster recovery plans for digital libraries.
• Ensuring authenticity and integrity of digital resources.

Preservation Formats and Standards

• Selecting sustainable file formats for long-term preservation.
• Introduction to preservation standards (e.g., OAIS Model).
• Understanding checksum and fixity in digital preservation.

Digitization Tools and Techniques

• Tools for scanning, editing, and storing digital files.
• Best practices for image and text digitization.
• Maintaining quality and resolution in digital conversion.

Open Access and Digital Libraries

• The concept and principles of open access.
• Benefits and challenges of open access in digital library systems.
• Platforms supporting open access resources.

Cloud Computing in Digital Libraries

• Cloud-based storage and its advantages for digital preservation.
• Implementing cloud technologies in digital library systems.
• Cost and scalability considerations.

Emerging Trends in Digital Libraries

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning applications.
• Big data analytics for library user insights and resource optimization.
• Mobile-friendly and voice-enabled library services.

Sustainability and Future of Digital Libraries

• Developing sustainable digital library programs.
• Integrating digital libraries into broader institutional strategies.
• Future challenges and opportunities for digital libraries.

This course ensures participants are equipped with the skills and knowledge to manage, preserve, and enhance digital libraries effectively while addressing the challenges of the modern digital age.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement.

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request.

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.

Course Booking

Please use the “book now” or “inquire” buttons on this page to either book your space or make further enquiries.