Sample interview questions: What steps do you take to ensure the security and integrity of digital archival materials?
Sample answer:
To ensure the security and integrity of digital archival materials, several steps need to be taken as an Archival Librarian. Firstly, we establish a robust and comprehensive digital preservation policy that outlines the guidelines and procedures for managing and protecting digital materials. This policy covers aspects such as access controls, encryption, backup strategies, and disaster recovery plans.
As an Archival Librarian, we implement strict access controls to limit unauthorized access to digital archival materials. This is done by using authentication mechanisms such as usernames, passwords, and two-factor authentication. Additionally, we monitor access logs regularly to identify any suspicious activities and promptly address them.
Another crucial step is the implementation of encryption techniques. Encryption ensures that the digital archival materials are stored in a secure format, preventing unauthorized individuals from gaining access to the content. We use strong encryption algorithms to protect both data in transit and data at rest. This includes encrypting data during transmission over networks and encrypting data stored on servers or other storage devices.
Regular and comprehensive data backups are essential for preserving the integrity of digital archival materials. We create backup copies of the materials and store them in separate physical locations or on different servers. By following the principle of “3-2-1 backup,” which means having at least three copies of the data on two different media, with one copy stored off-site, we ensure that even in the event of a catastrophic failure or data loss, the materials remain intact.
To mitigate the risk of data loss or corruption, we regularly perform integrity checks on digital archival materials. This involves using checksums or other verification methods to compare the stored data against a known value. If any discrepancies are detected, immediate action is taken to rectify the issu… Read full answer
Source: https://hireabo.com/job/18_0_10/Archival%20Librarian