What are the most effective ways to reach underserved communities with digital preservation?

1 Identify and engage with underserved communities

The first step is to identify who are the underserved communities in your area and what are their digital preservation needs and interests. You can use existing networks, such as community organizations, local media, or cultural groups, to reach out to them and invite them to participate in your digital preservation projects. You can also conduct surveys, interviews, or focus groups to learn more about their digital collections, their preservation goals, and their barriers to access. By engaging with underserved communities, you can build trust, rapport, and collaboration.

3 Create and share inclusive digital collections

The third step is to create and share digital collections that reflect the diversity and richness of the underserved communities you work with. You can collaborate with them to select, curate, and annotate the digital items that represent their culture, history, and identity. You can also involve them in the decision-making process, such as how to name, describe, and display their collections. You can also respect their rights and preferences, such as how to protect their privacy, security, and ownership. You can then share their collections on your library website, social media, or other platforms, where they can reach wider audiences and inspire others.

4 Leverage existing tools and resources

The fourth step is to leverage existing tools and resources that can help you and the underserved communities with digital preservation. You can use free or low-cost software, such as DSpace, Omeka, or Archive-It, that can help you create, manage, and preserve digital collections. You can also use open standards, such as Dublin Core, PREMIS, or OAIS, that can help you ensure the interoperability and sustainability of your digital collections. You can also use online guides, manuals, or best practices, such as the Digital Preservation Handbook, the Library of Congress Digital Preservation Outreach and Education Program, or the Digital Preservation Coalition, that can help you learn and improve your digital preservation skills.

5 Partner with other organizations and stakeholders

The fifth step is to partner with other organizations and stakeholders that can support your digital preservation efforts with underserved communities. You can network with other libraries, archives, museums, or academic institutions that have similar goals and interests. You can also collaborate with local, regional, or national initiatives, such as the Digital Public Library of America, the National Digital Stewardship Alliance, or the National Endowment for the Humanities, that can provide funding, guidance, or recognition for your digital preservation projects. You can also advocate for the importance and value of digital preservation with policymakers, funders, or the public, and raise awareness and support for your work.

6 Evaluate and improve your outcomes and impacts

The sixth step is to evaluate and improve your outcomes and impacts of your digital preservation work with underserved communities. You can use quantitative and qualitative methods, such as surveys, interviews, or analytics, to measure and report on your progress and achievements. You can also use feedback, suggestions, or testimonials from the underserved communities and other stakeholders to identify and address your strengths and weaknesses. You can also use lessons learned, best practices, or case studies to share your experiences and insights with other library services and the digital preservation community.