Preservation Metadata Second Edition

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Contents:

  • Abstract
  • Executive Summary
  • 1. Background
  • 2. Preservation Metadata Schema Development
  • 2.1 Preservation metadata element sets
  • 2.2 OAIS
  • 2.3 A framework for preservation metadata
  • 3. The PREMIS Data Dictionary
  • 3.1 Introduction to the Data Dictionary
  • 3.2 Revisions of the PREMIS Data Dictionary
  • 3.3 Outreach
  • 3.4 Packaging preservation metadata: METS and PREMIS
  • Tools to Support PREMIS Implementation
  • 3.6 PREMIS Implementations
  • 3.7 Other Implementation Resources
  • 4. Conclusion
  • 5. Glossary
  • 6. Further Reading
  • 7. References

This report begins by defining what preservation metadata is and why it’s important. It then provides some background on the development of various preservation metadata schemas over time, introduces the OAIS framework and then describes in some detail what has become the de facto standard for preservation metadata, the PREMIS metadata dictionary. It goes on to outline key implementation topics that have emerged since the publication of the PREMIS Data Dictionary, including community outreach, packaging, tools (in particular the use of METS with PREMIS), PREMIS implementations in digital preservation systems and tools to aid implementation. This report was issued as part of the Digital Preservation Coalition’s Technology Watch Series.

This ‘second edition’, like the first, offers an overview of preservation metadata and PREMIS; however, unlike the first edition, it moves away from the theoretical to concentrate on actual PREMIS development and implementation. Because limited detailed implementation stories are available, the authors rightly emphasize in their conclusion for more ‘accumulation and consolidation of best practice’ and research on costs: the costs associated with managing such an extensive metadata schema and identifying what the benefits are. The report is most interesting for those looking for a high level overview of preservation metadata and PREMIS development history; those looking for how to actually implement and manage preservation metadata and why will have to wait until more experience is documented in the field.