"Are you ready to create digital records that last?” Preparing users to transfer records to a digital repository for permanent preservation

Abstract

Simon Fraser University (Vancouver, Canada) marked its 50th anniversary by launching a digital repository to permanently preserve the university’s digital records of archival value. Simultaneously, the records management program launched a digital readiness project to educate departments about how to create digital records that will stand the test of time. This case study focuses on the training component of the project and details how the university is addressing knowledge gaps among records creators around digital records issues by creating training materials that are openly licensed and may be freely reused. Open educational resources or “OERs” are part of a wider open access movement in education. OERs can be created to address digital records issues and then shared with other institutions that are facing similar challenges in training their users on how to create and maintain good digital records. This article explains the efforts of one university to prepare records creators for a future of digital records preservation.