Bridging managerial and technical competencies in digital preservation: A systematic assessment of essential skills and training needs

Abstract

Digital preservation requires a well-trained workforce equipped with managerial and technical competencies to ensure the long-term accessibility of digital assets. This study systematically reviews 14 empirical studies to evaluate essential digital preservation skills, training priorities, and accreditation perspectives. Findings indicate that managerial competencies such as project planning (64.6%), collaboration (66.6%), and communication (80.0%) are critical, alongside technical skills in preservation strategies (67.9%), data ingestion (75.2%), and metadata standards (62.7%). Preferred training methods emphasize in-person workshops (66.3%) and local training initiatives (71.0%), while opinions on accreditation remain divided (50%). The results underscore the need for adaptable training programs integrating strategic and technical expertise. Future research should explore standardized accreditation frameworks and refine methodologies for assessing training effectiveness.