Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
•
Develop easy-to-use tools for data selection and archiving preparations (limiting
misinterpretation of data and fragility of data formats).
•
Demonstrate citability of data sets within and across disciplines.
24.3.3 Final Destination
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Safely deposited data sets at a (perhaps limited) number of trusted digital
archives.
•
Updated policies and procedures of research institutes taking long-term preser-
vation of their assets into account.
•
Data sets (or access copies) that can be cited amongst disciplines and for which
researchers can be credited.
•
Respected access mechanisms to protect data and researcher from misuse and
misinterpretation.
•
Trained researchers that are aware of digital fragility and how to cope with that
(selection, Representation Information including file formats and data semantics,
descriptive information).
24.3.4 Relevant Projects, Policies, Organisations, Activities
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ISO Repository Audit and Certification work [
6
]
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DANS Data Seal of Approval
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OAIS reference model
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Creative Commons
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Alliance for Permanent Access
24.4 Possible Policy Infrastructure Concepts and Components
There are a number of broad policies or statements of intents about preservation,
re-use and (open) access. Although it is not clear when or whether these will con-
verge, it is clear that there will almost certainly be a variety of such policies for the
foreseeable future. The preservation infrastructure must be able to operate in this
environment. Nevertheless alignment of policies will undoubtedly make the task
simpler, for which co-ordination at national, EU and international levels, includ-
ing EU and transnational consortia of key stakeholders such as the Alliance for
Permanent Access, would be essential. Clarity is also needed in policies which not
just encourage but also require researchers, perhaps with financial incentives, to
deposit their data, and which also indicate practical ways for them to do so.
It is important that policy makers distinguish between open access on one hand
and digital preservation on the other. Those whose main interest is open access -
if it is to be maintained over the long term - should understand that it is equally
dependent on digital preservation, as is non-open access.
