Skills and Competency Levels
The DigCurV Curriculum Framework is designed to recognise that digital curation professionals may require different levels of competency and experience in specific skills. To reflect this, the skill requirements identified in the DigCurV lenses are defined using the competency levels shown in the table below.
| Level | Description of Competency | Denoted By |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Maintains a basic awareness of a given subject area, including basic knowledge of the range of issues that shape developments in the subject area. | Is aware of |
| Intermediate | Able to demonstrate understanding of a given subject area, and possesses some knowledge of the terminology, business processes and tools relevant to the subject area. | Understands |
| Advanced | Possesses detailed knowledge of a given subject area, and is able to apply this knowledge to complete tasks on an independent basis. | Is able to |
For example, practitioners may require a detailed understanding of metadata standards to be able to use them in annotating specific content. Managers, on the other hand, may require only a more limited awareness of such standards to enable strategic evaluation of their use.
Skill Identifiers
Each individual defined by the DigCurV Curriculum Framework is assigned a unique skill identifier. The format used for these skill identifiers encodes both the domain and subdomain to which the skill belongs. For example, the skill identifier KIA1.7 would denote the seventh skill listed in the first subdomain of the Knowledge and Intellectual Abilities (KIA) domain.
The role of these skill identifiers is to aid users of DigCurV Framework in navigating across wide range of skills defined by the framework, and in communicating the specific subset of skills in which they are interested at any given time.
+Knowledge and Intellectual Abilities (KIA)
Skills in this domain relate to the ability of staff to demonstrate knowledge and competency in specific areas of digital curation. A key component of this knowledge is the application of digital curation to specific market sectors such as the cultural heritage sector.
+KIA1: Subject Knowledge
| Identifer | Description | Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Examples are for illustration only and are not DigCurV recommendations. | ||
| KIA1.1 | Subject-specific knowledge and definitionsFor example: DCC guide to digital curation terminology |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA1.2 | Relevance of, and need for, digital curation activity within subject contextFor example: Digital curation for the Wellcome Collection |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA1.3 | Current and emerging subject landscape (trends, people, institutions) | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA1.4 | Respective responsibilities for digital curation across institution | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA1.5 | Scope the boundaries for digital curation at institution | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA1.6 | Fundamental digital curation principles including lifecyclesFor example: DCC curation lifecycle model |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA1.7 | Designated community | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA1.8 | Select appropriate technological solutions | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA1.9 | Apply appropriate technological solutions | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA1.10 | Develop a professional network for support | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA1.11 | Digital curation tools (at high level)For example: Library of Congress digital preservation tools and resources directory |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA1.12 | Digital preservation standards | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA1.13 | Digital curation and preservation terminologyFor example: DCC curation lifecycle model DCC DC101 training modules OAIS Reference Model PLATO preservation planning |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA1.14 | Scope of team responsibilities within institution | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA1.15 | Information technology definitions and skillsFor example: Emulation technology Migration technology Data models File format specifications |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA1.16 | Select and and apply digital curation and preservation techniquesFor example: DPC technology watch reports |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA1.17 | Scope of own role within institutional context | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
+KIA2: Selection/Appraisal
| Identifer | Description | Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Examples are for illustration only and are not DigCurV recommendations. | ||
| KIA2.1 | Maximise benefits and long-term value of collections | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA2.2 | Articulate information- and records-management principles | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA2.3 | Articulate the benefits and long-term value of collectionsFor example: DCC how to appraise and select research data for curation NERC data value checklist Engaging with different user communities such as scientists, artists, and the public |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA2.4 | Contribute to institutional policies, including criteria for selection/appraisal | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA2.5 | Information- and records-management principles | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA2.6 | Institutional policies, including criteria for selection/appraisalFor example: Archaeology Data Service collections policy Full collections versus forgetting (active digital objects not selected) |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA2.7 | Plan application of selection/appraisal criteria to collections | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
+KIA3: Evaluation Studies
| Identifer | Description | Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Examples are for illustration only and are not DigCurV recommendations. | ||
| KIA3.1 | Prioritise funding for curation activities based on the value of digital objects and the risks facing objects | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA3.2 | Respond to findings from user studies constructively in future decision-making | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA3.3 | Conduct user needs analysisFor example: Design and deployment of questionnaires |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA3.4 | Continuously monitor and evaluate digital curation technologiesFor example: Use of watch services to check for obsolete technology Ensuring virtualisation tools have long-term stability |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA3.5 | Monitor and assess needs of designated community | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA3.6 | Conduct usability evaluationFor example: Design and planning of evaluation methods Techniques for gathering feedback from users |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA3.7 | Prioritise curation activities based on value of digital objects and the risks facing them | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
+KIA4: Information Skills
| Identifer | Description | Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Examples are for illustration only and are not DigCurV recommendations. | ||
| KIA4.1 | Information-seeking strategies, access technologies and user sharing behaviours | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA4.2 | Support information access and sharingFor example: Query languages such as SQL Publishing data via the Web |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA4.3 | Deploy appropriate information seeking strategiesFor example: Use of search engines |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA4.4 | Key metadata standards for sector/subjectFor example: PREMIS Dublin Core BioSharing METS BagIT LMER ISAD(G) Spectrum MARC EAD RAD MADS DCC standards watch papers DCC discipline-specific metadata resource |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA4.5 | Select metadata standardsFor example: PREMIS Dublin Core BioSharing METS BagIT LMER ISAD(G) Spectrum MARC EAD RAD MADS Metadata stored in file formats such as .doc and .jpg DCC standards watch papers DCC discipline-specific metadata resource |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA4.6 | Apply metadata standardsFor example: PREMIS Dublin Core BioSharing METS BagIT LMER ISAD(G) Spectrum MARC EAD RAD MADS Metadata stored in file formats such as .doc and .jpg DCC standards watch papers DCC discipline-specific metadata resource |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA4.7 | Relationship between appropriate controlled vocabularies and metadata standards | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
+KIA5: Data Skills
| Identifer | Description | Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Examples are for illustration only and are not DigCurV recommendations. | ||
| KIA5.1 | Data structures and typesFor example: Textual and non-textual digital objects Complex digital objects Authenticity and data integrity checking such as MD5 checksums Lists, tables, and relational data |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA5.2 | File types, applications and systemsFor example: Document files such as .pdf, Microsoft Office (.doc, .ppt, .dock, .els) and Open Office (.dot, .odp) Audio and video container formats such as .mp3, .avi, .ogg, Quicktime, .mpg, .mp4, .wav Audio and video streams such as subtitles, audio tracks, video tracks CAD formats Image formats such as .jpg, .gif, .png. .svg |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA5.3 | Database types and structuresFor example: Lists, tables, and relational data Query languages such as SQL DBXML SIARD Entity-relationship modelling |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| KIA5.4 | Execute analysis of and forensic procedures in digital curationFor example: PRONOM DROID Library of Congress directory of digital formats Technical metadata extraction practice and tools such as JHOVE Technical metadata extraction practice and tools such as JHOVE2 National Library of New Zealand metadata extractor Apache Tika |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
+Personal Qualities (PQ)
Skills in this domain relate to the ability of staff to interact and collaborate with other relevant stakeholders in digital curation activities. A key component of this knowledge is the ability to communicate with fellow professionals, colleagues in other departments, staff from external institutions, and members of the public.
+PQ1: Integrity
| Identifer | Description | Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Examples are for illustration only and are not DigCurV recommendations. | ||
| PQ1.1 | Responsibility, accountability and good practice in digital curationFor example: Ensure evaluation of preservation action results Respect defined roles in digital curation processes |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PQ1.2 | Value of policy formulation to deal with malpractice | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PQ1.3 | Make transparent decisions | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PQ1.4 | Demonstrate leadership in high quality standards of work | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PQ1.5 | Identify malpracticeFor example: Validation of provenance and authenticity information for objects Detection of fraudulent changes on objects in the archives |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
+PQ2: Communication and Advocacy Skills
| Identifer | Description | Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Examples are for illustration only and are not DigCurV recommendations. | ||
| PQ2.1 | Communicate across domains, staff groups and with other relevant communitiesFor example: Knowledge of discipline-specific vocabulary Ability to adapt between different vocabularies |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PQ2.2 | Articulate importance of digital curation to peers, other staff and publicFor example: Providing information in commonly-used languages Producing management summaries |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PQ2.3 | Articulate value of collections to peers, other staff and public | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PQ2.4 | Make case for funding of digital curation activityFor example: KRDS toolkit espida resources |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PQ2.5 | Manage and foster stakeholder relationships | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PQ2.6 | Plan and deliver dissemination activities | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PQ2.7 | Make case for staff training and development | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PQ2.8 | Engage with wider digital curation community | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PQ2.9 | Communication protocols for designated communityFor example: Familiarity with organisation of institution and relevant bodies, boards, forms, etc. |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
+PQ3: Responsiveness to Change
| Identifer | Description | Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Examples are for illustration only and are not DigCurV recommendations. | ||
| PQ3.1 | Potential developments in business models, strategic planning and management models
in digital curationFor example: Perform horizon scanning DCC briefing papers |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PQ3.2 | Potential of developments in digital curation to influence new services and toolsFor example: DCC briefing papers |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PQ3.3 | Emerging developments in discipline, and their applicability to digital curation activity
in the institutionFor example: Perform horizon scanning |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PQ3.4 | Cultivate and maintain relationships with other relevant sources of information in digital curation (individuals/services/institutions) | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PQ3.5 | Value of new and emerging digital curation technologies and processes | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PQ3.6 | Translate knowledge of technology and processes into services and tools for needs of designated community | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PQ3.7 | Assess, extend and generate digital curation models for cultural heritage domain | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PQ3.8 | Maintain continuous awareness of emerging developments in digital curationFor example: Perform horizon scanning Engaging with lifelong learning ITU technology watch papers DCC technology watch papers DPC technology watch papers |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PQ3.9 | Translate current digital curation knowledge into new services and toolsFor example: Adapting to new technologies such as new rendering environments, new formats, etc. |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
+Professional Conduct (PC)
Skills in this domain relate to the ability of staff to conduct themselves within the ethical and legal frameworks that regulate digital curation as a profession.
+PC1: Regulatory Requirements
| Identifer | Description | Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Examples are for illustration only and are not DigCurV recommendations. | ||
| PC1.1 | Legal frameworks in which digital curation is taking placeFor example: National and international frameworks for data protection National and international frameworks for freedom of information Moral rights Copyright policies and legislation for digital objects Copyright policies and legislation for digital objects IPR policies and legislation for digital objects National copyright laws, and EU copyright legislation Web2Rights |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PC1.2 | Domain policies and standards for management and preservation of digital objectsFor example: Legal deposit law |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PC1.3 | Contribute to national/international regulatory frameworks in which digital repositories operate | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
+PC2: Regulatory Compliance
| Identifer | Description | Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Examples are for illustration only and are not DigCurV recommendations. | ||
| PC2.1 | Institution's legal culpabilities in digital curation activity | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PC2.2 | Incorporate legal requirements into institutional policies | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PC2.3 | Contribute to institutional regulatory framework in which digital repositories operate | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PC2.4 | Apply appropriate actions to curation workflow to ensure compliance with legal and
policy frameworks and relevant standardsFor example: Storage policy Media refreshment policy |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PC2.5 | Select and apply validation techniques to detect policy infringementFor example: Copyright infringement detection |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
+PC3: Ethics, Principles and Sustainability
| Identifer | Description | Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Examples are for illustration only and are not DigCurV recommendations. | ||
| PC3.1 | Social and ethical responsibility in digital curation | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PC3.2 | Energy consumption and carbon footprint of digital curation activity | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PC3.3 | Embed principles of ethical conduct throughout institutional policies (including those affecting curation activity) | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PC3.4 | Adhere to principles of ethical conductFor example: Managing sensitive data in a responsible manner |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| PC3.5 | Evaluate and treat employees fairly | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
+Management and Quality Assurance (MQA)
Skills in this domain relate to the ability of staff to plan, execute, and monitor digital curation activities as part of project groups or larger programmes of work.
+MQA1: Risk Management
| Identifer | Description | Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Examples are for illustration only and are not DigCurV recommendations. | ||
| MQA1.1 | Undertake succession planning | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA1.2 | Risk management theory and standardsFor example: ISO Risk Management 31000 |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA1.3 | Apply risk management practice, techniques and standards to digital curation activities
within institutional risk management contextFor example: UK National Archives risk assessment handbook |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA1.4 | Assess, analyse, monitor and communicate risksFor example: ISO Risk Management 31000 SPOT |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
+MQA2: Audit and Certification
| Identifer | Description | Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Examples are for illustration only and are not DigCurV recommendations. | ||
| MQA2.1 | Audit and certification standardsFor example: Data Seal of Approval DRAMBORA Trusted data respositories TRAC assessment framework ISO 14721 OAIS ISO 16363 TRAC DIN Standard 31644 BSI Standard 10008 Legal Admissibility of Electronic Information |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA2.2 | Benefits of audit process, and relevance of audit results | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA2.3 | Institutional liabilities in audit process | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA2.4 | Level of audit appropriate to institution | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA2.5 | Lead repository through certification process | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA2.6 | Respond to audit report and build new service plan where required | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA2.7 | Prepare effectively for an audit of curation functions | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA2.8 | Audit of curation functions | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA2.9 | Certification of repositories or programmes | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA2.10 | Maintain documentation in preparation for audit process | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
+MQA3: Resource Management
| Identifer | Description | Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Examples are for illustration only and are not DigCurV recommendations. | ||
| MQA3.1 | Undertake strategic planning | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA3.2 | Undertake business continuity management including disaster planningFor example: Put in policy for security of data Put in place policy for security of personnel Put in place policy for physical integrity of collection |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA3.3 | Resources required for digital curation activity including energy consumption | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA3.4 | Reputation management | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA3.5 | Respond to staff recruitment, training and development needs | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA3.6 | Undertake financial planning, cost analysis and economic sustainabilityFor example: LIFE cost analysis 4C project resources |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA3.7 | Undertake business planning in line with corporate/institutional goals | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA3.8 | Make sound decisions based on information produced by project team | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA3.9 | Recruit and motivate staff | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA3.10 | Create a team environment | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA3.11 | Plan and implement sound staff training and development | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA3.12 | Make sustainable storage decisions in institutional contextFor example: Cloud storage, in-house storage, third party storage, and others On-site or off-site storage Tape storage or disk storage |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA3.13 | Creation, management and monitoring of project plans | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA3.14 | Undertake project management activities and innovative practicesFor example: PRINCE2 Project and network plans |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA3.15 | Data management requirementsFor example: DAF DM Vitals |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA3.16 | Produce relevant information to support decision-making | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA3.17 | Deal with data curation challenges through structured planningFor example: CARDIO |
Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
| MQA3.18 | Project management concepts and techniques | Is aware of; Understands; Is able to |
