Integrating Digital Forensics Techniques into Curatorial Tasks: A Case Study

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate how digital forensics tools can support digital curation tasks around the acquisition, processing, management and analysis of born-digital materials. Using a real world born-digital collection as our use case, we describe how BitCurator, a digital forensics open source software environment, supports fundamental curatorial activities such as secure data transfer, assurance of authenticity and integrity, and the identification and elimination of private and/or sensitive information. We also introduce a workflow diagram that articulates the processing steps for institutions processing born-digital materials. Finally, we review possibilities for further integration, development and use of digital forensic tools.