Building on the success of the digital powrr (preserving digital objects with restricted resources) cohort-based training model, the university of arizona libraries will expand digital preservation…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded the University of Arizona $603,446 under the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program on September 1, 2026, to expand digital preservation training through two complementary formats: an immersive five-day Digital POWRR Academy and a pilot Digital Preservation Summer Institute.

The project builds on the success of the existing Digital POWRR (Preserving Digital Objects with Restricted Resources) cohort-based training model, addressing the gap between growing awareness of digital preservation risks and limited accessible pathways for moving from assessment to action. The University of Arizona Libraries will collaborate with an experienced network of educators, practitioners, and advisors, many of whom previously contributed to Digital POWRR training initiatives. The expanded program targets current and emerging digital preservation practitioners working in libraries, archives, and other cultural heritage organizations, particularly those serving in hybrid or non-traditional roles.

Performance occurs in Tucson, Arizona, with a period of performance from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2028. The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (CFDA 45.313) supports training and professional development to build a library and archival workforce meeting community information needs while increasing institutional capacity across the country.

Building on the success of the digital powrr (preserving digital objects with restricted resources) cohort-based training model, the university of arizona libraries will expand digital preservation training in collaboration with an experienced network of educators, practitioners, and advisors, many of whom have previously contributed to digital powrr training initiatives. While awareness of digital preservation risks has grown, accessible pathways for moving from assessment to action remain limited. This project addresses that GAP by expanding a proven face-to-face program into two complementary formats: an immersive five-day digital powrr academy and a pilot digital preservation summer institute. The project will reach current and emerging digital preservation practitioners working in libraries, archives, and other cultural heritage organizations, particularly those serving in hybrid or non-traditional roles.