ARCHIVES 2017

Digital archivists work with a variety of tools, such as simple command line scripts and stand-alone products, to complete systems that accomplish multiple tasks. Using a sample workflow, Kussman walks through the steps to consider when choosing and implementing tools, including understanding what task you are trying to make easier by using a tool; understanding available types of tools; exploring and testing options; making a selection; installing the tool; and using the tool within your existing or developing workflow. She’ll also touch on tool maintenance issues, such as documentation and upgrades. (This course focuses on tools utilizing the Windows operating system environment. Where possible, Macintosh alternatives will be provided. The use of these products does not represent or imply SAA endorsement. SAA Education encourages the use of open source software and tools.)

Pre-conference Course fees are in addition to conference fees. See the conference registration form for more information.

This course is now full. If you would like to save a spot on the waitlist, please contact SAA at (312) 606-0722.

Kussmann and Prom introduce you to processing strategies that are applicable to born-digital records, with an emphasis on basic concepts that archivists use to establish descriptive control over digital content. You’ll learn about standards and tools that can be used to implement an integrated processing strategy, and you’ll participate in a set of instructor–led exercises to arrange and describe some electronic records in ways that maintain the integrity and authenticity of the digital records. (See Tuesday, July 25, for Part 2.)


Pre-conference Course fees are in addition to conference fees. See the conference registration form for more information.

This course is now full. If you would like to save a spot on the waitlist, please contact SAA at (312) 606-0722.

There are no silver bullets—no single piece of software can or should cover all aspects of digital preservation. Eckard explores options for suites of tools that can work together to approach a full solution to the software component of digital preservation. He’ll cover the basics of workflow and systems integration, including: why and how to integrate; the "glue" that holds systems together into workflows and allows them to connect; real-world examples of both proprietary and open-source software integration; and efficiently managing “handoffs” of data and metadata from one system to another. (Note: Bringing a laptop to the course is recommended but not required.)


Pre-conference Course fees are in addition to conference fees. See the conference registration form for more information.

In Part 2, Kussmann and Prom introduce advanced processing strategies that are applicable to born-digital and hybrid (i.e., mixed analog and digital) records, with an emphasis on hands-on work. We’ll use a variety of software tools to establish descriptive control over digital archives, focusing on arrangement and description at the collection and series levels. Kussmann  demonstrates specific techniques, and you’ll practice them on a set of sample records and/or materials supplied by your repository. (See Monday, July 24, for Part 1.) 

Students should have taken and/or passed the exam for Arrangement and Description of Digital Records: Part I
 Pre-conference Course fees are in addition to conference fees. See the conference registration form for more information.

This course is comprised of a prerequisite 90-minute webcast (May 11), plus one day of in-person learning. The webcast will arm archivists with an introduction to the components of digital photographs and embedded metadata, and a basic overview of issues related to collection development, appraisal, arrangement, and description. The pre-conference course will build on the webcast content with in-depth instruction, discussion, and exercises related specifically to the creation and use of various types of born-digital image files.


Pre-conference Course fees are in addition to conference fees. See the conference registration form for more information.