Cross-institutional cooperation on a shared bit repository

Abstract

This paper explores how independent institutions, such as archives and libraries, can cooperate on managing a shared bit repository with bit preservation in order to use their resources for preservation n in a more cost-effective way. It uses the OAIS Reference Model to provide a framework for systematically analysing the technical and organizational requirements of institutions for a remote bit repository. Instead of viewing a bit repository simply as Archival Storage for the institutions’ repositories, we argue for viewing it as consisting of a subset of functions from all entities defined by the OAIS Reference Model. The work is motivated by and used in a current Danish feasibility study for establishing a national bit repository. The study revealed that depending on their missions and the collections they hold, the institutions have varying requirements, such as for bit safety, accessibility, and confidentiality. This study further revealed that requirements for the level of bit safety must be supplemented by risk analysis, which needs to involve elements of the architecture; for example, the number of copies and how independence between the copies is ensured. The paper describes bit repository architecture and its strengths in being flexible in order to offer differentiated services with respect to, among other things, bit safety and cost. Furthermore, the challenges in formulating various aspects, such as risk requirements, are described.

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