Integrating domain-specific archiving practice into tertiary education: PARADISEC develops data management, archiving, and digital preservation curricula for linguistics, anthropology, and ethnomusicology

"Integrating domain-specific archiving practice into tertiary education: PARADISEC develops data management, archiving, and digital preservation curricula for linguistics, anthropology, and ethnomusicology" Presented by Julia Colleen Miller and Nick Ward at the Language Documentation and Archiving Conference, Berlin & Online, 4-6 Sept, 2024. Established in 2003, the Pacific and Regional Archive for Digital Sources in Endangered Cultures (PARADISEC) is a collaboraBve project involving three Australian universiBes: The University of Sydney, The University of Melbourne, and the Australian NaBonal University. Serving as a digital archive and access plaLorm, PARADISEC focuses on preserving endangered materials from the Pacific region, encompassing Oceania, East, and Southeast Asia. These materials are primarily contributed by researchers specializing in LinguisBcs, Anthropology, Ethnomusicology, and related fields. OperaBng within academic research insBtuBons provides PARADISEC with direct engagement opportuniBes with students and researchers. Recognizing the importance of integraBng archival pracBces into terBary educaBon, PARADISEC has developed tailored curricula for linguisBcs, anthropology, and ethnomusicology. The curriculum emphasizes data management, archiving, and digital preservaBon, with a focus on safeguarding linguisBc and cultural heritage. Through pracBcal training sessions, students acquire essenBal skills for managing and preserving diverse data types, including linguisBc recordings and ethnographic materials. They are introduced to industry-standard tools and techniques for digiBzaBon, metadata creaBon, and ensuring long-term preservaBon. The integraBon of domain-specific archiving pracBces into terBary educaBon aligns with PARADISEC's mission to empower students and researchers in responsibly managing cultural and linguisBc resources. Originally designed for credited work placement programs and terBary classrooms, the curriculum has been successfully implemented at insBtuBons like Charles Sturt University and the University of Manchester. Its effecBveness has led to its adopBon for training staff, volunteers, and interested individuals, with growing interest in expanding its reach beyond occasional guest lectures in university classrooms.