Archival Standards encompass frameworks, specifications, and best practices for long-term digital preservation, including metadata standards (PREMIS, METS), reference models (OAIS), and storage technologies that ensure digital content remains accessible, authentic, and interpretable across technological changes.
Semantic Classification
Content
Technical Details
Key standards include:
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OAIS (ISO 14721): Reference model defining functional components, terminology, and information packages for digital archives (v3 released December 2024)
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PREMIS: International standard for preservation metadata supporting digital object usability
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METS: XML encoding standard for packaging digital materials with archival information
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ISO 16363: Audit and certification of trustworthy digital repositories
Metadata Requirements
OAIS recommends five metadata types: reference (identification), provenance (preservation history), context, fixity (authenticity indicators), and representation (formatting, file structure, meaning).
Storage Technologies
Bitstream preservation through backups, redundant storage across locations, media migration, and emerging technologies like laser-etched glass storage (Project Silica) offering thousand-year durability.
Certification
Routes include Data Seal of Approval (peer review), DIN 31644 (internal methods), and ISO 16363 (comprehensive international certification).