This article was posted to arXiv.org a couple weeks ago by researchers at Stanford. Here's the abstract:
The field of digital preservation is being defined by a set of standards developed top-down, starting with an abstract reference model (OAIS) and gradually adding more specific detail. Systems claiming conformance to these standards are entering production use. Work is underway to certify that systems conform to requirements derived from OAIS.
We complement these requirements derived top-down by presenting an alternate, bottom-up view of the field. The fundamental goal of these systems is to ensure that the information they contain remains accessible for the long term. We develop a parallel set of requirements based on observations of how existing systems handle this task, and on an analysis of the threats to achieving the goal. On this basis we suggest disclosures that systems should provide as to how they satisfy their goals.
Several things I like about this paper.
1. It is very readable and easy to understand. When dealing with OAIS, preservation systems, etc., this is not always true.
2. Makes a good argument for open standards, systems, and communication.
3. Authenticity and trust in the digital preservation system will require a full disclosure of strategies, threats and failures. Yes, if a system fails, everyone should know about it.
Unfortunately, the paper often presents Stanford's own LOCKSS digital preservation system in such glowing terms that some readers may consider the paper as self-congratulatory.
A must-read article with great references.
Link: http://arxiv.org/abs/cs.DL/0509018
Posted by Paul H at September 23, 2005 03:43 PM
