Designing and implementing born-digital workflows from the ground up

This paper presents a case study of the University of Oregon’s Special Collections and University Archives’ efforts to rebuild a sustainable born-digital archives programme following the departure of its sole digital archivist in 2023. Faced with a growing backlog of at-risk digital media and limited institutional knowledge, the Archives restructured its workflows to define and distribute digital processing responsibilities across all unit staff. The initiative emphasised collaborative workflow development, the acquisition of new professional skills and the adoption of scalable tools, including Preservica and digital forensics hardware and software. This paper outlines practical steps taken to stabilise data held on legacy media carriers, develop shared vocabulary and implement a ‘more product, less process’ approach to the arrangement and description of borndigital records. Key challenges addressed include equipment limitations, the creation of adequate metadata, transparent communication with donors and users and the ethics of born-digital collection management. Findings suggest that while commercial tools and institutional support can accelerate progress, sustainable digital preservation also depends on iterative, values-driven practices. The paper offers a replicable framework for other institutions navigating similar transitions and concludes by advocating for a ‘slow archiving’ model that balances access, risk and ethical stewardship. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at http:// hstalks/business/.