Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
14.5 Preservation Information Flows
Once the objective and community have been identified and described an analyst
should be in position to determine the information required to achieve an objec-
tive for this community. An analyst proceeds by identifying risks which are to be
addressed by preservation action. We advocate the creation of an OAIS preservation
information flow diagram at this juncture.
An OAIS preservation information flow diagram is graphical representation and
analysis tool which is a hybrid of an information flow diagram and the OAIS infor-
mation model. It provides a convenient format to facilitate group discussions over
preservation plans and strategies. A preservation information flow diagram created
for the MST data is shown in Fig.
14.3
.
The OAIS reference model specifies that within an archival system, a data item
has a number of different information items associated with it, each performing
a different role in the preservation process. The preservation objective for a des-
ignated community is satisfied when each item of the OAIS information model
has been adequately populated with sufficient information. The information model
provides a checklist which ensures that the preservation objective can be met. All
information objects must be mapped to at least one of the element of the OAIS
information model.
In addition to information objects and the standard OAIS information model the
diagram contains a number of other components which we will now examine in turn.
Fig. 14.3
OAIS information flow diagram for the MST data set
