4.4.1 - The repository shall have specifications for how the AIPs are stored down to the bit level.
Introduction
Scholars Portal's AIP consists of two main components, the Content Object and Preservation Metadata. The Preservation Metadata contains detailed Representation Information down to the bit-level for each AIP and its components. Below is a more comprehensive view of the preservation process.
Bit-level Preservation: Items preserved at the Bit-level Preservation level will be subject to Bit Stream Copying, Fixity Checking, and Documentation of File Formats preservation activities. This is a baseline level of preservation activity which ensures that objects, once ingested into the repository, can be maintained in a valid and uncorrupted state. It also attempts to provide representation information for the object through documentation of its file format, though at this level no migration activities will take place. This preservation level should be considered less robust than the “Full Preservation” level, and should only be considered in situations where Full Preservation is not a viable strategy. Common issues of unsuitability include lack of privilege to perform migration activities on the material, the presence of material in unknown or unsupported file formats, or the material’s failure to conform to a valid format.
Full Preservation: Items preserved at this level will receive the benefit of all of the above-mentioned preservation activities, as appropriate. Upon ingest into the repository, the material will undergo file format identification and normalization/transformation to archival file formats. As time goes on, these formats will be monitored by the Scholars Portal staff, and should the criteria for format migration be met, the files will be migrated to a new format. In addition, all activities associated with the “Bit-level Preservation” preservation level will be carried out.
All of these components are packaged together within the Preservation Metadata using relationship and event links.
Responsibility
Digital Preservation Policy Librarian - Ensures proper functioning of overall system.
Relevant Documents