Training, the (not so) secret key to repository survivability

A favorite slogan of the repository world is “the coolest thing to do with your data will be thought of by someone else.” However, that “someone else” and their cool projects might never exist if others don’t understand what your repository contains or how to access and manipulate your content. Not only is training important to ensuring long-term repository sustainability, it is a vital component of any strategic vision for digital content development.

Drawing on their experiences in corporate, academic, and community-based training, the authors discuss the ways that training can address these issues, lower stress and uncertainty, and forge the long-term connections that sustain our communities and repositories.