Esther Conway

Curating scientific research data for the long term : a preservation analysis method in context

The challenge of digital preservation of scientific data lies in the need to preserve not only the dataset itself but also the ability it has to deliver knowledge to a future user community. A true scientific research asset allows future users to reanalyze the data within new contexts. Thus, in order to carry out meaningful preservation we need to ensure that future users are equipped with the necessary information to re-use the data. This paper presents an overview of a preservation analysis methodology which was developed in response to that need on the CASPAR and Digital Curation Centre SCARP projects. We intend to place it in relation to other digital preservation practices, discussing how they can interact to provide archives caring for scientific data sets with the full arsenal of tools and techniques necessary to rise to this challenge.

Using XFDU for CASPAR information packaging

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of XML formatted data unit (XFDU) technology to implement OAIS‐based information packaging in the CASPAR project.Design/methodology/approach – The paper outlines new tools and techniques in working with XFDU for the purpose of preserving complex digital information.Findings – The preservation of digital assets was facilitated by using the features of XFDU in the CASPAR project.Practical implications – The paper is of interest to those responsible for the archival or long term preservation of digital assets.Originality/value – The paper demonstrates new tools and techniques, which together provide an integrated system suitable for solving complex issues of preserving digital assets using information packaging.

Interoperability and standardization aspects in the data preservation domain

A cooperative and harmonized collective approach on Long Term Data Preservation (LTDP) is ongoing in Europe with the goal to coordinate and optimize European efforts in the LTDP area. The aim is to ultimately preserve the entire European EO space data set for the benefit of all European countries and users, while at the same time reducing the overall costs of data preservation. ESA is coordinating the LTDP initiative[1] in Europe and has an ongoing LTDP programme with the objective to guarantee the preservation of the data from all EO ESA missions and third party missions managed by ESA for the long term, ensuring their accessibility and usability, as part of a joint and cooperative approach in Europe.