INF443 Creating and Preserving Digital Content (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Information Studies (INFST)
Duration: One academic session
Abstract:
Digitisation of analogue media is a well established pathway for making collection materials more widely accessible. This subject introduces the processes and practices involved in the digitisation of a range of media with a focus on content sharing and availability. In addition, digitisation also offers possible preservation pathways for collection materials. However, digital information is inherently impermanent due to its dependence on rapidly changing technology. This subject will then look more closely at the preservation of digital objects - whether created via a digitisation program or for 'born digital' materials. It will provide an overview of digital presevation including its history, concepts, challenges, politics, ethics and strategies.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 1 | |
|---|---|
| Distance | SPACE, University of Hong Kong |
| Distance | Wagga Wagga | Session 2 |
| Distance | Wagga Wagga |
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: INF443
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to demonstrate an understanding of the digitisation policies and practices adopted by a
range of collecting institutions;
- be able to demonstrate an understanding of the principles underpinning the digitisation process;
- be able to distinguish different digital objects from one another;
- be able to demonstrate an understanding of the preservation of digital information in all its forms
including its history and development;
- be able to undertake an audit of digital objects, evaluate the risks, set priorities and develop a
digital preservation policy and plan for a specific organisational context;
- be able to explain why digital information is inherently impermanent;
- be able to apply the principles, ethics, ideas and strategies discussed throughout the subject to
the development of models and systems for digital preservation; and
- be able to plan and actively contribute to digital preservation programs in a wide range of
organisational contexts.
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
1. Setting the context: setting the context behind the digitisation of analogue materials and for the
need to undertake digital preservation.
2. Understanding the issues: explaining the standards involved and processes required for
successful digitisation programs and that form the basis for digital preservation - technogical,
sociological, and organisational.
3. Understanding and applying the strategies, including establishing significance; managing risk;
managing cost; identifying priorities and developing policy; storing digital resources: centralised
and decentralised repositories; the role of metadata.
4. Consideration of the range of media - both analogue materials being digitised and 'born digital'
material.
5. Considering future directions in digitisation and digital preservation practices.
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.