DATA CURATION PRESERVATION ISSUES: BUDGETS, COSTS, STAFFING AND SKILLS

 

As digital information continues to grow exponentially, data curation and preservation have become essential functions for libraries, archives, research institutions and universities. Data curation refers to the active management and preservation of digital resources throughout their lifecycle to ensure they remain accessible usable and meaningful over time (Higgins, 2008).While technological solutions are often emphasized in discussions of digital preservation, factors such as funding, staffing and workforce skills frequently determine the success or failure of preservation activities (Shah et al., 2021). These challenges are important because digital preservation is a long-term commitment that requires sustained investment and institutional support.

High cost of digital preservation: Contrary to the common perception that digital storage is inexpensive, preserving digital materials over time requires substantial and recurring investments. Costs go beyond storage infrastructure to include software licensing, hardware replacement, data migration, repository maintenance and cyber security measures (Shah et al., 2021). Furthermore, files must be continuously monitored, refreshed and migrated to newer formats to prevent technological obsolescence. As a result, institutions often struggle to estimate and secure long-term funding necessary to sustain preservation programs (Shah et al., 2021).

Budget constraints: Many institutions operate under limited financial resources and must balance digital preservation against competing priorities such as service delivery, infrastructure development and research support (Shah et al., 2021). Libraries and archives particularly in developing countries frequently face difficulties obtaining dedicated budgets for digital preservation activities. When funding is inadequate, institutions may delay technology upgrades, reduce preservation activities or fail to implement comprehensive preservation strategies, thereby increasing the risk of data loss and reduced accessibility (Pasqui, 2024).

Staffing capacity: Effective data curation requires professionals who posses expertise in digital preservation, metadata standards, data management, information technology and records management (Yoon et al., 2025). However, many institutions face shortage of qualified staff capable of managing increasingly complex digital collections. Existing staff are often expected to assume digital curation responsibilities in addition to their traditional duties creating workload pressures that can undermine preservation efforts. Without adequate expertise, institutions risk implementing ineffective preservation practices that compromise long-term accessibility (Chawinga & Zinn, 2021; Zareef & Jabeen, 2025b).

Skills and competencies: The rapid evolution of digital technologies requires continuous professional development to keep pace with emerging trends, tools and best practices. According to Yoon et al. (2025), digital curation professionals require a multidisciplinary skill set that combines technical expertise with knowledge of archival principles, policy development and project management. However, opportunities for training and capacity building are often limited particularly in resource-constrained environments. Skills gaps can result in poor metadata creation, inadequate preservation planning and ineffective management of digital repositories ultimately reducing the long-term value of preserved data (Shah et al., 2021; Zareef & Jabeen, 2025a).

Addressing these challenges requires a strategic and suistainable approach. Institutions should develop long-term funding models that recognize digital preservation as a core organizational responsibility rather than a short-term project. Investment in workforce development through training, professional education and mentorship programs can strengthen staff capacity and resilience (Yoon et al., 2025). Collaborative approaches including shared repositories and preservation networks may also help reduce costs and improves access to specialized expertise (Faniel & Yakel, 2017).

In conclusion, budgets, costs, staffing and skills represent some of the most significant barriers to effective data curation. By addressing these challenges, institutions can enhance their ability to preserve valuable digital assets and ensure their continued accessibility for future generations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Xx1Ysd6DsA&t=18s

 

References

Chawinga, W. D., & Zinn, S. (2021). Research Data Management in Universities : A Comparative Study from the Perspectives of Librarians and Management Research Data Management in Universities : A Comparative Study. International Information & Library Review, 53(2), 97–111. https://doi.org/10.1080/10572317.2020.1793448

Faniel, I. M., & Yakel, E. (2017). Practices Do Not Make Perfect Disciplinary Data Sharing and Reuse Practices and Their Implications for Repository Data Curation. In L. R. Johnson (Ed.), Curating Research Data, Volume 1: Strategies for your Digital Repository (Vol. 1, pp. 103–126). Association of College and Research Libraries.

Higgins, S. (2008). The International Journal of Digital Curation. 3(1), 134–140.

Pasqui, V. (2024). Digital curation and long-term digital preservation in libraries. JLIS.It, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.36253/jlis.it-567

Shah, U. A., Hussain, M., Saddiqa, M., & Yar, M. S. (2021). Problems and Challenges in the Preservation of Digital Contents : An Analytical Study. Library Philosophy and Practice. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/5628

Yoon, A., Kim, J., & Donaldson, D. R. (2025). Big data curation framework : Curation actions and challenges. Journal of Information Scienc, 51(1), 205–223. https://doi.org/10.1177/01655515221133528

Zareef, M., & Jabeen, M. (2025a). A systematic review of digital curation services in academic libraries : navigating policies , skills and challenges. Digital Library Perspectives, July. https://doi.org/10.1108/DLP-10-2024-0158

Zareef, M., & Jabeen, M. (2025b). Systematic literature review of digital curation services in academic libraries ( 2001 – 2023 ): A global perspective. Journal of Information Science, 1–29. https://doi.org/10.1177/01655515241305348

 

 

 

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