Data management for archaeological archives
Chartered Institute for Archaeologists CPD workshop
(27 April 2018)
Abstract
Digital technologies have transformed the archaeological profession. Through presentations, group discussion and practical activities this workshop will explore the importance of data management and digital preservation for the long term safety of archaeological data and provide practical guidance on how to prepare, curate, and deposit data. The workshop will begin with an introduction to data management and digital preservation for archaeology. Following this, participants will take part in a practical metadata identification activity which will encourage participants to think critically about how they create and manage their own archaeological data. The workshop will then outline current guidelines for data management and archiving, and provide advice on how to prepare and curate data to existing professional standards. The workshop will culminate with participants reflecting on the information gathered through the session to create a Data Management Plan (DMP) that will work for their own data management needs.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course participants will be expected to:
- Understand the importance of good data management practices.
- Understand the importance of digital preservation for the long term safety of archaeological data.
- Understand the principles of best practice in data management.
- Have a working knowledge of current data management guidance and standards for archaeology.
- Understand the application of digital preservation and data management for their own work.
- Be able to prepare data management plans.
National occupational standards
- AE2 Develop procedures for the use of information resources.
- AE3 Classify, compile and maintain data on the material remains and intangible heritage of past communities.
- CCSAPAA1 Develop policies and guidance for archaeology
Session programme
| 9:30 | Introduction, Katie Green |
| 9:40 | Importance of good data management and digital preservation for archaeology, Katie Green |
| 10:00 | Metadata Activity |
| 10:30 | Current Guidelines and Professional Standards, Tim Evans |
| 10:50 | Discussion |
| 11:00 | Coffee and Tea |
| 11:30 | Archaeological Digital Archiving Protocol, Claire Tsang |
| 12:00 | Data Management Planning Activity |
| 12:30 | Review of Data Management Plans and Discussion |
| 13:00 | Lunch |
Workshop resources
Blank Data Management Plan
Further reading
Data management
The Digital Curation Center’s Online Management Plan.
The Digital Curation Center’s Management Plan Check List
Metadata and data formats
The ADS Preferred and Accepted File Formats
The ADS Metadata Requirements
Library of Congress Recommended Formats Statement
Historic England Digital Image Capture and File Storage
Heritage Data Vocabularies.
Historic Environment Scotland Guidelines for Archiving Archaeological Projects including Recommended File Formats.
Selection
ADS Selection and Retention Guidelines.
The Digital Curation Center’s Selection and Retention Guidelines
Coming Soon CIFA Archives Group Selection Toolkit for Archaeological Archives.
Archaeological archive standards and guidelines
ARCHES Archaeological Resources in Cultural Heritage a European Standard website
Archaeological Archives: A guide to best practice in creation, compilation, transfer and curation
