R. van Horik
An obvious durability feature of digital data archives concerns the ability to have access to them and the ability to use them, also in the long run. Preservation without access seems pointless. The aim of this paper is to discuss important components that facilitate the long-term access and usage of digital data archives.
The naming of digital data objects by means of persistent identifiers, the storage of digital data objects in preservation repositories and the open access to the digital data archives can be considered as important components of an infrastructure that gives long-term access to digital data archives. As early as possible in the life cycle of a digital data archive these components must be identified and applied.
The paper contains an overview of the systems, protocols and standards that are available for persistent identification of digital objects, as well as for the establishment of preservation repositories that are accessible in an “open access” environment. Furthermore, the paper describes how persistent identifiers, preservation repositories, and the “open access” paradigm can be applied in practical situations. A number of use cases are described relevant for the long-term access to digital data archives.
The concluding remarks of the paper will place the presented components in the broader general context of preservation of digital data archives.
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