D2.1 Report on baseline survey and evaluation framework

This deliverable describes the work carried out by DigCurV to identify and analyse current training activities in the field of digital curation and to create an evaluation framework for a digital curation curriculum.

Section 2 outlines Work Package 2 and describes how identifying and analysing current training activities in the field of digital curation and creation of the evaluation framework relate to work package as a whole.

Section 3 presents the findings of a survey which was carried out by Vilnius University Library for the project. The aim was to identify existing training opportunities in digital curation and long-term preservation available for digital curators working in libraries, archives and museums, and then to analyse the findings and build up a profile of training opportunities. The survey focused on course content, methodologies, delivery options, assessment, certification and best practices for training and continuous professional development. Sixty completed responses were received from sixteen countries mainly from Europe but including five responses from the USA.

The survey data suggests that the training landscape is complex involving a large diversity of different types of organisations. There appear to be large gaps in training provision, particularly in languages other than English, however the distribution of the survey in English may have limited responses from other language communities. Most training provision appears to be at the introductory level although the survey found that training is being sought by those practically engaged in digital curation activity. This suggests a need for training in practical skills, tools and methods.

Less than half of the respondents indicated that they intend to organize training in digital curation during the next two years; lack of funding coupled with lack of awareness were given as the main reasons. Most of the respondents who intended to provide further training were planning in-house training corresponding to the real situation of their organisation.

Section 4 presents the DigCurV Evaluation Framework, which is based on the findings from the survey and desk-based research carried out by Work package 2 and also the findings of the survey into stakeholder needs carried out by Work Package 3.

The work to develop the Evaluation Framework for DigCurV builds on previous work in digital curation curriculum design and evaluation framework development. It is intended to be helpful to those designing, providing or assessing digital curation curricula (or individual pieces of training which may form part of a curriculum). The Evaluation Framework provides a series of structured ways to evaluate a digital curation curriculum or piece of training.

This section looks at implementation of the Framework and in particular how it will be used in DigCurV to establish the curriculum.

Section 5 provides a synthesis of the various aspects which should be considered in the design of training curriculum.

This report together with the report on survey of sector training needs and report on focus group meetings will be used as a background for developing of follow-up digital curation curriculum framework.