There are two primary workflows for digital forensics:

Bulk forensic imaging for preservation

1. Add item to register of digital storage devices.
   
   
2. Prepare item for forensic imaging.
   
   
3. Use FTK Imager to create forensic disk image of item.
   
   
4. Transfer forensic disk images to Libraries' digital backlog storage for preservation until further processing.
   
   
5. Delete local copy of forensic disk image after transfer validation.
   
   
6. Update entry in register of digital storage devices.

Collection-based forensics for archival processing and monetary appraisal

1. Add item to register of digital storage devices.
   
   
2. Prepare item for forensic imaging.
   
   
3. Use FTK Imager to create forensic image of item and create a secondary (i.e., local backup) copy of the forensic image.
   
   
4. Update entry in register of digital storage devices.
   
   
5. Load forensic image(s) into FTK.
   
   
6. Run additional analysis processing.
   
   
7. Create filters as necessary.
   
   
8. Create labels to support archival appraisal decisions:
   
   
   1. Delete 
   2. Review for deletion
   3. Review for selection
   4. Select for retention
   5. Select for retention (contains PII)
      
      
9. Create word list based on selection criteria.
   
   
10. Create hierarchical set of bookmarks to support archival arrangement:
    
    
    1. Fonds title
       1. Series title
          1. Sub-series title
       2. Series title
          
          
11. Use a combination of filters, searching, and browsing to identify and select records for retention. Use labels and bookmarks to facilitate this process.
    
    
12. Use a combination of tools to identify confidential and personal information. Use labels and bookmarks to facilitate this process.
13. Use bookmarks to export files and metadata from FTK.
    
    
    1. Export files option
    2. Report option
       
       
14. Transfer package to Libraries' ingest storage for transfer into digital preservation system.
    
    
15. Delete local backup data and FTK case after successful generation of AIPs.

Workflows at other institutions

Princeton University Library, Department of Rare Books and Special Collections, "Born-Digital University Archives Workflows." https://rbsc.princeton.edu/workflows/born-digital/university-archives.