Prescreening Questions to Ask

Can you describe your experience with various digital preservation standards and frameworks?

Knowing the candidate's familiarity with digital preservation standards and frameworks is like getting a peek into their toolkit. It's a way to understand their baseline knowledge and how they apply it to real-world scenarios. Ask them to elaborate on their hands-on experience with standards such as OAIS (Open Archival Information System) or frameworks like DCC (Digital Curation Centre). This will give you a sense of their depth and breadth of knowledge.

What tools and software do you use for digital preservation projects?

Tools make the craftsman, or so the saying goes. In digital preservation, the right software can make a huge difference. Listen for names of widely recognized tools like Archivematica, Preservica, or even custom-built solutions. This question helps you understand their technical proficiency and whether they keep up with industry trends.

How do you ensure the long-term accessibility of digital content?

Ensuring long-term accessibility is the holy grail of digital preservation. The candidate's strategy might include redundant storage, regular data integrity checks, and the use of open, non-proprietary formats. Their answer should reassure you that they have a robust plan to keep your data accessible for years to come.

Describe a time when you had to recover data from compromised digital media.

This question is a bit like asking a superhero about their biggest battle. It's an opportunity for the candidate to showcase their problem-solving skills and technical know-how. A good story will not only highlight their abilities but also their resilience and resourcefulness in the face of adversity.

What best practices do you follow for migrating data to new formats or systems?

Migration is like moving house, except you're ensuring that nothing gets lost or damaged in a digital sense. Look for answers that mention thorough planning, testing, data integrity checks, and sometimes even user training. Their approach should underline a meticulous and systematic process to avoid data loss.

How do you stay updated on the latest trends and developments in digital preservation?

The digital preservation field is ever-evolving, and staying updated is crucial. Maybe they attend conferences, read journals, or participate in online forums. Their approach to continuous learning will tell you how proactive and passionate they are about their profession.

What strategies do you use to manage digital obsolescence?

Digital obsolescence is like trying to keep up with the Joneses in the tech world. Strategies can include format migrations, software emulation, and the use of widely adopted standards. Listen for a comprehensive approach that addresses both hardware and software obsolescence.

Can you explain how you handle metadata for digital assets?

Metadata is the backbone of digital preservation, providing context and meaning to the data. The candidate should detail how they create, manage, and preserve metadata, possibly using standards like Dublin Core or PREMIS. A thorough answer will demonstrate their understanding of the importance of metadata.

What is your approach to integrating digital preservation with an organization’s overall IT strategy?

Digital preservation shouldn't be an isolated effort; it needs to align with the broader IT strategy. Look for responses that discuss collaboration with IT teams, aligning preservation goals with organizational objectives, and ensuring infrastructure support. This will show their ability to work within the larger organizational framework.

How do you assess and mitigate risks associated with digital preservation?

Risk assessment is like forecasting the weather – it helps you prepare for storms. The candidate should talk about identifying potential risks, conducting regular audits, and implementing mitigation strategies such as backup procedures and disaster recovery plans. This will reflect their foresight and preparedness.

Describe a successful digital preservation project you have managed.

Here’s their chance to shine! A success story will give you insights into their project management skills, ability to meet goals, and how they overcame challenges. Look for specifics about the project scope, tools used, and outcomes achieved.

Can you explain the importance of checksum and fixity in digital preservation?

Think of checksums and fixity as the digital soul of your data, ensuring its integrity over time. A knowledgeable candidate will explain how checksums help in detecting errors and verifying data stability, and the importance of regular fixity checks to maintain data reliability.

How do you determine the appropriate preservation format for different types of digital content?

Choosing the right format is like picking the right container for leftovers – it ensures longevity. The candidate should discuss evaluating factors like file stability, accessibility, and community adoption. Their methodology for format selection reveals their critical thinking and expertise.

What role does automation play in your digital preservation processes?

Automation is the unsung hero of digital preservation. Look for answers that include automated backups, integrity checks, and metadata extraction. Their use of automation can reflect efficiency and a forward-thinking approach.

How do you collaborate with other departments or institutions on digital preservation initiatives?

Collaboration is key to success. Whether it's working with IT, compliance, or other departments, or even external institutions, coordination is crucial. Their answer should highlight their ability to work well in teams and build strong professional relationships.

What experience do you have with digital archives and repositories?

Experience with digital archives and repositories can be a game-changer. Whether it's managing an institutional repository, or working with national archives, their experience can provide insights into their capabilities and expertise.

Can you describe your process for documenting digital preservation activities?

Documentation is the bread and butter of any preservation activity. The candidate should discuss maintaining thorough records, writing detailed documentation, and possibly using tools for tracking and auditing. Their approach should demonstrate thoroughness and attention to detail.

How do you prioritize digital content for preservation?

Prioritization is about assessing value and risk. Look for responses that mention criteria like usage frequency, legal obligations, and content relevance. Their prioritization strategy will reveal their decision-making skills and judgment.

What challenges have you faced in digital preservation, and how did you overcome them?

Challenges are part and parcel of the job. Whether it's dealing with data corruption, lack of resources, or organizational resistance, their ability to overcome obstacles will showcase their resilience and problem-solving abilities.

How do you ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in digital preservation?

Compliance is like the rulebook of digital preservation. The candidate should discuss staying updated with regulations, conducting regular audits, and collaborating with legal teams. Ensuring compliance reflects their professionalism and commitment to best practices.