Administration & secretarial · Short course
Digital Resource Libraries
Managing access to digital collections and the information that makes resources discoverable.
The programme
Programme overview
Expanded indicative outline. The subject areas are described below; proposed activities and final delivery requirements are confirmed with Ratomac before booking.
Managing access to digital collections and the information that makes resources discoverable.
The programme brings together digital collections, metadata, access management and digital continuity. The expanded outline below shows how these areas can be explored through explanation, discussion and the preparation of relevant work products.
A proposed workshop runs through the programme: A digital collection is growing but users struggle to find resources and ownership of updates is unclear. Participants would examine the situation in stages, use the information provided and explain the basis of their decisions. The workshop is fictional and can be adapted when the final training plan is agreed.
Who should attend
Is this programme for you?
This outline is relevant to the following roles. Suitability and any formal entry requirements should be checked for the selected programme.
- Digital library staff, information professionals and resource coordinators.
- Individuals preparing to take on responsibilities in this area.
- Teams seeking a shared approach to the work described in the programme.
Purpose of the learning
Intended learning outcomes
- Define the collection scope and resource-selection criteria.
- Create metadata for a fictional set of digital resources.
- Review access permissions and the user’s discovery journey.
- Prepare a continuity and maintenance plan for the collection.
- Combine the module outputs into a reasoned response to the programme’s workplace scenario.
5 learning blocks
Detailed programme outline
01Digital collections
This part of the programme examines digital collections, with attention to formats, selection and organisation. The practical task connects the subject to the programme’s workplace scenario and gives participants a specific output to discuss.
Topics to explore
- Formats.
- Selection.
- Organisation.
- Applied work: define the collection scope and resource-selection criteria.
Illustrative practical exercise
Define the collection scope and resource-selection criteria. Explain the information used, identify any assumptions and take part in a review of the proposed approach.
02Metadata
This part of the programme examines metadata, with attention to description and resource discovery. The practical task connects the subject to the programme’s workplace scenario and gives participants a specific output to discuss.
Topics to explore
- Description.
- Resource discovery.
- Applied work: create metadata for a fictional set of digital resources.
Illustrative practical exercise
Create metadata for a fictional set of digital resources. Explain the information used, identify any assumptions and take part in a review of the proposed approach.
03Access management
This part of the programme examines access management, with attention to permissions and user experience. The practical task connects the subject to the programme’s workplace scenario and gives participants a specific output to discuss.
Topics to explore
- Permissions.
- User experience.
- Applied work: review access permissions and the user’s discovery journey.
Illustrative practical exercise
Review access permissions and the user’s discovery journey. Explain the information used, identify any assumptions and take part in a review of the proposed approach.
04Digital continuity
This part of the programme examines digital continuity, with attention to preservation planning and collection review. The practical task connects the subject to the programme’s workplace scenario and gives participants a specific output to discuss.
Topics to explore
- Preservation planning.
- Collection review.
- Applied work: prepare a continuity and maintenance plan for the collection.
Illustrative practical exercise
Prepare a continuity and maintenance plan for the collection. Explain the information used, identify any assumptions and take part in a review of the proposed approach.
05Integrated workplace workshop
A digital collection is growing but users struggle to find resources and ownership of updates is unclear. The final workshop connects the earlier work rather than treating each topic as an isolated activity.
Topics to explore
- Bring together the outputs from the earlier modules into one coherent response to the scenario.
- Check that the recommendation addresses the original problem and is supported by the information available.
- Identify responsibilities, dependencies and matters that require specialist input or further evidence.
- Present the proposed response and revise it after questions from the facilitator and other participants.
Illustrative practical exercise
Prepare a concise presentation for the fictional organisation. Include the proposed response, the evidence supporting it and the decisions still required. Finish with a reflection on which aspects could be relevant to your own work.
From discussion to application
How the programme could be delivered
The proposed learning approach combines facilitator-led explanation, discussion of the subject areas and guided work on the fictional scenario. Each module produces a practical output that can be reviewed and improved.
Participants can work individually or in small groups to compare interpretations, explain their decisions and identify missing information. Feedback focuses on the connection between the task, the evidence used and the proposed response.
The final workshop brings the module outputs together. Ratomac will confirm the delivery format, learning resources, entry requirements and any formal assessment or certification arrangements for the selected programme.
Discuss your requirements
Dates, duration & arrangements
Contact Ratomac to agree the final programme, duration and delivery format. Include your preferred timing, location and whether the enquiry is for yourself or a team.
Discuss this programme ↗Indicative outline for discussion. The final syllabus is agreed with Ratomac before booking. The expanded learning activities and workplace scenario are original proposals for discussion with Ratomac.