Sample interview questions: How do you handle the challenges of preserving born-digital materials?
Sample answer:
Preserving born-digital materials poses several challenges for digital archivists. One of the key challenges is the rapid obsolescence of hardware and software formats. As technology evolves, older formats become obsolete, making it difficult to access and preserve digital content. To handle this challenge, digital archivists must stay updated with emerging technologies, file formats, and preservation strategies. They need to continuously monitor the digital landscape, engage in professional development activities, and collaborate with experts in the field to ensure the long-term accessibility of born-digital materials.
Another challenge is the sheer volume and diversity of born-digital materials. Digital archivists must develop effective strategies for appraising, selecting, and acquiring digital content. This involves understanding the context and significance of the materials, determining their authenticity and integrity, and establishing appropriate metadata standards. It is crucial to have strong analytical and organizational skills to effectively manage and prioritize the preservation of digital materials.
Metadata plays a vital role in preserving born-digital materials. Digital archivists must ensure that comprehensive and accurate metadata is created and maintained for all digital objects. This metadata enables efficient searching, retrieval, and long-term preservation of the materials. Developing and implementing metadata standards and best practices is essential for effective preservation.
Another important challenge is dealing with digital content that is constantly changing and evolving. Digital archivists need to have a deep understanding of digital preservation techniques, such as migration, emulation, and normalization. These techniques allow for the ongoing management of digital materials and ensure their accessibility as technologies … Read full answer
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