Workforce Development in Digital Preservation: A Systematic Review of Training Preferences and Training Availability

This study systematically examines workforce development strategies in digital preservation, focusing on institutional preferences for training existing staff versus hiring new professionals. Employing a systematic literature review (SLR) approach based on PRISMA guidelines, 22 empirical studies were analyzed to identify global trends, challenges, and training availability. The findings reveal that 66% of institutions prioritize training existing staff, while only 31.5% favor hiring new professionals. However, 61.2% of institutions report insufficient training opportunities, with significant regional and temporal disparities. North America and Europe exhibit relatively higher training availability, whereas Africa and Asia face considerable challenges. Temporal trends suggest that training availability fluctuates due to economic conditions, policy changes, and institutional priorities. The study underscores the urgent need for structured and accessible digital preservation training programs, increased funding, and collaborative efforts among institutions, policymakers, and professional organizations to enhance workforce capabilities. These findings provide valuable insights for improving memory institutions’ digital preservation practices and workforce readiness.