course-details-portlet

LBAS2004

Digital Long-term Preservation in Archives, Museums and Records Management

Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.

Credits 15
Level Intermediate course, level II
Course start Spring 2027
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Home examination

About

About the course

Course content

Long-term preservation is one of the central challenges we face in digital democracies. The course provides knowledge about challenges with long-term preservation and dissemination accessing of digital artifacts or materials, and covers the following main themes: Basic theory for digital long-term preservation, professional and legal framework and strategies for long-term preservation, and also challenges for the work with preservation of varied digital societal documentation, for example related to sustainability or information loss. What are the significant properties of digital artifacts and materials today and in the future?

The course content has transfer value for work with digital societal documentation in a varied working life, for example in archives and museums, in research institutions and in processes of records management in various businesses.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The student has:

  • knowledge about and understanding for the fundamental properties of digital archives and digitized collections,
  • basic knowledge about digital or e-signatures (digital authentication mechanisms) and encryption
  • knowledge about the different strategies for long-term digital preservation, and has knowledge about work processes related to conversion and integration between different file formats

Skills

The student can:

  • discuss Norwegian and international standards on electronic archives, and can discuss issues related to digital or e-signatures and encryption
  • explain different strategic choices related to methods for long-term preservation of digital archives
  • discuss safety and security issues related to the protection of materials in digital repositories
  • explain issues about long-term preservation of data related to storage format (data representation) as well as conditions related to changes in technical conditions that affect long-term preservation over time

General Competence

The student can:

  • utilize knowledge and skills, and thereby design routines or instructions related to archives management
  • can participate and contribute in establishing best-practices for the management of collections in archives and museums
  • can express himself professionally, both orally and in writing

Learning methods and activities

A combination of lectures, seminars and assignment related seminars.

Compulsory assignments

  • 3 ICT exercises
  • Written assignment

Further on evaluation

Examination

Home examination, duration 6 hours.

Compulsory activities/assignments:

1. ICT-exercises

2. Written assignment.

Compulsory activities/assignments are assessed as approved/not approved, and must be approved in order for the student to take the exam.

Compulsory assignments must be approved in the term the course is taught. Compulsory assignments are valid for two years.

Compulsory activities and exams must be answered in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language.

The student must answer assignments and exams independently. Answers that do not demonstrate independence, regardless of whether there is a unclear understanding of academic sources, missing references to sources, or uncritical use of AI, will receive a mark deduction, depending on the extent. Students are allowed to use AI in preparation for assignments, but must familiarize themselves with how they can use this tool critically and independently, so that it contributes to learning in the subject.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Archives, Museums and Records Management (LTARKIV)

Course materials

The course reading list and course plan will be published on NTNU's digital learning platform (Canvas) at the beginning of term. Minor changes to the list may occur during term. Students are obliged to keep informed and up-to-date on all information from teachers via the learning platform and NTNU e-mails.

Special needs accommodation

Students with disabilities and students with special needs can apply for individual adaptation of their studies and exams (Act relating to universities and university colleges § 10-5). Please contact the programme’s Student Adviser (e-mail: studier@ilu.ntnu.no, phone: (+47) 73 59 04 00).

Subject areas

  • Applied Information and Communication Technology
  • Archival knowledge
  • Digitalisation
  • Social Sciences
  • Technological subjects

Contact information

Course coordinator

Lecturers

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Teacher Education

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Home examination
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2026

Home examination
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code A Duration 6 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment

Ordinary examination - Spring 2027

Home examination
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code A Duration 6 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment