Training Workshop: Solutions for Preservation of Digital Information Resources

In implementation of the 2025 work program of the National Library of Viet Nam (NLV) and Decision No. 1504/QĐ-BVHTTDL dated May 23, 2025, of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) regarding the organization of digital transformation training program for the library sector, from September 24–25, 2025, the National Library of Viet Nam, in collaboration with relevant agencies, organized a training workshop entitled "Solutions for Preservation of Digital Information Resources" in Hue City.

Attending the opening ceremony were Mr. Nguyen Xuan Dung – Director of the National Library of Viet Nam, Mr. Phan Thanh Hai – Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Hue City, along with lecturers, keynote speakers, and representatives of leaders and library staff in charge of information technology and professional activities of public, academic, special and armed forces libraries nationwide.

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Dung, Director of the National Library of Viet Nam, delivering the opening speech

Mr. Phan Thanh Hai, Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Hue City, delivering the welcome remarks

Digital transformation is an inevitable trend in the development of modern libraries, creating a foundation for expanding access to knowledge, improving service quality for citizens, and meeting the requirements of building a Digital Government and a Digital Society. However, within this process, the preservation of digital information resources, including ensuring data integrity, availability, durability, and security is a fundamental step that determines the sustainability of digital library systems.

In practice, many libraries still face shortages in resources, tools, and standardized procedures to effectively preserve digitized or born-digital resources. Therefore, building capacity, improving institutional frameworks, and standardizing professional practices in digital preservation have become urgent and interdisciplinary tasks that require synchronous implementation from central to local levels.

In response to these practical needs, the training workshop in Hue was organized with the aim of raising awareness, updating in-depth knowledge, and equipping practical skills for library and information professionals working at public, academic, special and armed forces libraries across the country.

The workshop featured lectures, discussions, and knowledge-sharing sessions led by experts from the National Library of Viet Nam, the Digital Transformation Center of the MoCST, and reputable technology companies in the field of data storage and security. The curriculum was comprehensively designed to align with practical requirements and current development trends of the library sector.

Mr. Le Duc Thang, M.A., Head of the Information Technology Division - National Library of Viet Nam, served as a lecturer, delivering a presentation at the training workshop

Key topics included:

Overview of digital information resource preservation
Standard workflow for preservation of digital information resources
Copyright protection of digital content in the Internet environment
Guidelines for using supporting software in digital preservation
Guidelines for data storage for long-term preservation of digital information resources
Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the library sector
Data safety and security

Through theoretical lectures combined with hands-on practice, group discussions, and case studies, participants not only acquired foundational knowledge but were also guided on applying specific tools, software, and practical response scenarios tailored to the specific technological conditions and capacities of each institution. The training materials were meticulouslyand scientifically prepared by the Organizing Committee and served as a useful reference for participants in the process of implementing digital transformation in libraries.

Training materials

In addition to the thematic sessions and presentations delivered by lecturers and speakers, the training workshop fostered a numerous insightful exchanges and in-depth discussions among the participants created a lively and positive learning atmosphere. Many participants have taken initial steps in drafting digital preservation plans for their respective institutions and gained a clearer understanding of the risks involved in the storage, provision, and exploitation of digital information resources.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Dung, Director of the NLV, emphasized that the contents shared during the training workshop was not merely theoretical but contained practical experiences highly applicable to professional work. He highly appreciated the serious commitment of the participants and the dedicated preparation and enthusiastic teaching of the lecturers and speakers. He also expressed his gratitude to the leaders of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Hue City People's Committee, the Department of Culture and Sports, and Hue City Library for their attention and support. He expressed his hope that participants would creatively apply the knowledge gained from this training workshop in practice to ensure the sustainable development of digital collections, thereby effectively serving the community.

The training workshop on "Solutions for the Preservation of Digital Information Resources" was more than a routine professional activity, it is a testament to the library sector’s concrete commitment to digital transformation. Based on the achieved results, it affirms that with policy guidance from central authorities, local efforts, and the partnership of the technology sector, digital preservation in Viet Nam will become increasingly professional and efficient, contributing to the preservation and promotion of the national intellectual heritage in the digital era.

At the conclusion of the program, the Organizing Committee awarded certificates to the participants.

Photos of the Event:

Delegates and participants attending the training workshop

Overview of the Training Workshop

Mr. Phan Thanh Hai, Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Hue City, presenting the National Library of Viet Nam with a book compiled by the City’s Culture and Sports sector