The National Archives in the UK and the Digital Preservation Coalition (DPC) are collaborating on a project to develop a new online training course on email preservation. The training is the latest in the digital preservation learning pathway “Novice to Know-How” (N2KH) and will be launched in June 2023.
Email continues to be one of the most commonly used communication methods for business and personal purposes. Therefore, capturing a complete record of our interactions, of planning, and of decisions made, both in the recent past and for the foreseeable future, must include the preservation of email. If this is to happen it is imperative that the archives sector upskill to meet that challenge.
"The complexities of preserving email can make starting a program seem incredibly intimidating. This course will aim to break down email preservation into easy to understand modules that provide practical guidance and build confidence,” says Sharon McMeekin, Head of Workforce Development for the DPC.
Part of The National Archives’ digital capacity building strategy, “Plugged in, Powered Up”, the original Novice to Know-How training courses aim to provide beginners with the skills required to develop and implement simple digital preservation workflows within their organisation. The new Email Preservation learning pathway, also conceived of and funded by The National Archives (UK) and delivered by the DPC, will be aimed at learners who already have a solid foundational knowledge of digital preservation.
"The National Archives is delighted to be working with the DPC on developing email preservation training to complement our very popular online learning Novice to Know-How,” says Simon Mckeon, Head of Collections and Audience Insight for The National Archives. “This new course will enable the archive sector to gain both knowledge and practical experience of how to preserve email. We look forward to collaborating with the DPC in the coming months on this exciting project."
The Email Preservation learning pathway is practical online training for those looking to build the digital preservation capacity of their organisation. It will be launched in June 2023 and priority places will be available free of charge to learners from the UK archives sector and DPC member organisations.
The National Archives is the official archive of the UK government, and of England and Wales. It is the sector leader for archives in England and approaches its leadership role collaboratively, supporting partnerships and working to encourage a sustainable and innovative sector. The National Archives works with all archives including national institutions, local authorities, universities, businesses, charities and private collections.
About the Digital Preservation Coalition
The DPC is an international charitable foundation which supports digital preservation, helping its members around the world to deliver resilient long-term access to digital content and services through community engagement, targeted advocacy work, training and workforce development, capacity building, good practice and standards, and through good management and governance. Its vision is a secure digital legacy.