CONTENTdm refers to the use of a digital collection management system for organizing, describing, and providing access to digital and digitized materials. It is used to create, manage, and publish online collections such as images, documents, audio, and video for libraries, archives, and museums. The skill involves configuring collection records, applying metadata, and supporting consistent access to stored content.

Describing Archives refers to the process of documenting and organizing information about archival materials to facilitate their discovery and use. This skill involves creating detailed descriptions, including metadata and finding aids, that provide context and accessibility to collections. Knowledge of Describing Archives is utilized to enhance research efficiency, support preservation efforts, and promote the understanding of historical records within various institutions.

Digital preservation is the process of ensuring that digital data is protected, accessible, and usable over the long term. It requires specialized skills and knowledge to properly identify, select, ingest, store, manage, preserve, and provide access to digital materials. It involves a range of activities, such as format migration, metadata creation, checksumming, and backup, as well as adherence to relevant standards and best practices. Effective digital preservation strategies are essential for ensuring that valuable digital content is preserved for future generations.

Encoded Archival Description refers to a standardized method for representing archival materials in a digital format, facilitating their organization and accessibility. This skill involves the use of metadata standards, such as EAD (Encoded Archival Description), to create structured descriptions of collections, enabling efficient retrieval and management of archival resources. Knowledge of Encoded Archival Description is applied in the digitization of archival materials, ensuring that information is accurately represented and easily searchable for researchers and the public.

Manuscript Collections refer to the organized assembly of original written works, documents, and manuscripts that are preserved for research and historical purposes. This skill involves the identification, cataloging, and preservation of these materials to ensure their accessibility for scholars, researchers, and the public. Knowledge of Manuscript Collections is used to facilitate the study of historical texts, literary works, and archival materials, enabling a deeper understanding of cultural and historical contexts.