Global library cooperative OCLC has released Demystifying IT: A Framework for Shared Understanding between Archivists and IT Professionals, a follow-on report in the popular Demystifying Born Digital series designed to help archivists achieve a better understanding of how information technology professionals work so that they can be effective collaborators.
The report by Seth Shaw, Clayton State University, Richard C. Adler, University of Michigan Library, and Jackie Dooley, OCLC Research, describes types of IT providers and the services they typically offer, offers insights on the software development process, provides guidance toward building partnerships and emphasises the centrality of resource constraints. Many of the issues described are relevant to librarians and archivists who work with IT colleagues on issues other than born-digital management.
Today's digital archivist needs tools and platforms to ingest, manage and provide access to electronic records and digital content of all types. The complexity of digital systems makes the participation of IT professionals essential. Archivists have sophisticated domain knowledge, while IT staff have advanced technology skills. Working together effectively requires a desire to understand each other's expertise, priorities and constraints. It requires developing a culture of collaboration.
The new report is a companion to The Archival Advantage: Integrating Archival Expertise into Management of Born-digital Library Materials, which describes 10 core areas of archival expertise to help library directors, managers, IT professionals and other colleagues become aware of the benefits of incorporating archival knowledge into many aspects of digital library development and implementation.
The new report is available for download from the OCLC Research website.
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