The Digital Preservation Coalition (DPC) is delighted to give members a one-month preview of its latest Technology Watch Guidance Note: Coordinating an Interdepartmental Rapid Assessment Model by Kari May of the University of Pittsburgh Library System.
This Guidance Note provides a helpful case study, illustrating how one organization planned and carried out an interdepartmental assessment using the DPC’s Rapid Assessment Model (RAM), a tool for quickly evaluating digital preservation maturity and identifying priorities for improvement across eleven capabilities.
Based on the University of Pittsburgh Library System’s experience completing a RAM assessment collaboratively through their Digital Preservation Working Group, the new Guidance Note offers practical advice on engaging colleagues, structuring discussions, and translating results into coordinated goals and next steps. The case study illustrates how involving a broader team can increase the value and impact of a RAM assessment and support more proactive development of digital preservation activities.
“Though DPC RAM was originally developed to be a ‘rapid’ tool for self-assessment of digital preservation capability, several of our members who have used the model have shown the benefits of taking a slower and more collaborative approach,” said Jenny Mitcham, Chief Digital Preservation at the DPC. “This case study demonstrates well that the additional time required to involve colleagues across an institution can be a valuable investment, leading to greater awareness and understanding of digital preservation and a shared ownership of the challenge.”
DPC members can now access this Guidance Note on the DPC website (login required). The resource will be released to the general public on January 5th, 2026.
The Technology Watch publication series is just one of the ways the DPC supports the digital preservation community. An international charitable foundation which supports digital preservation, the DPC helps its members around the world to deliver resilient long-term access to digital content and services through community engagement, targeted advocacy work, training and workforce development, capacity building, good practice and standards, and through good management and governance. Its vision is a sustainable future for our digital assets.
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Read: Coordinating an Interdepartmental Rapid Assessment Model (DPC Member Login required)