Steep Learning Curve

I am always a bit apprehensive about the start of a new course on digital archiving because when you leave the theoretical realm and enter the application realm there is an incredibly steep learning curve. Much like the Gartner Hype Cycle for technology trends, many students report quickly finding themselves in the Trough of Digital Archiving Disillusionment; the realization that there is so much going on on the backend with a confluence of platforms and applications that makes the frontend appear seamless. As with anything related to the field of librarianship and especially with technology, beware the trap of magical thinking. There is so much to learn initially that there is always the risk that you will leave the first few classes feeling overwhelmed and, I imagine, wondering what you have gotten yourself into. I urge you to be patient with the process, and especially with yourself. I can only assure you that it gets better, the curve levels out, and you will eventually own, really own, and be able to apply the theoretical knowledge.