Available courses

eArchiving Reference Architecture

eArchiving Reference Architecture - Training Course Summary

eArchiving Initiative Training

Welcome to eArchiving Reference Architecture training course. This unit is part of the standalone training series by the eArchiving Initiative. The course is designed to guide you through the eArchiving Reference Architecture and its practical applications.

Goal and Scope

The goal of this training course is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the eArchiving Reference Architecture. The course aims to equip participants with the knowledge to understand how this architecture supports pan-European interoperability in the field of digital archiving and facilitates long-term data preservation. The scope of the training focuses on the architectural elements considered most critical for interoperability. These include the strategy, business, and application layers, along with their motivation aspects. The training draws upon the Open Archival Information System (OAIS) reference model and the ArchiMateÒ modelling language as fundamental concepts.

The eArchiving Reference Architecture is available as an ArchiMateÒ model and as an online edition. The online edition (https://kc.dlmforum.eu/earchiving-ra20/) provides additional introductory and reference sections, including information on the eArchiving Initiative, OAIS, and ArchiMateÒ.

Training Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this training course, participants will be able to:

  • Gain a clear understanding of the structure and key components of the eArchiving Reference Architecture.

  • Comprehend how the eArchiving Reference Architecture supports long-term data preservation and interoperability in digital archiving.

  • Understand the motivation aspect behind the architecture's design, including drivers, goals, and principles.

  • Grasp how the OAIS processes are modelled within the strategy and business layers using the architecture.

  • Understand how the Application Layer is used to position E-ARK specifications and software tools.

  • Analyse and interpret example scenarios that illustrate the practical application of the reference architecture.

  • Navigate and utilise the features and functionalities of the online edition of the eArchiving Reference Architecture.

  • Gain awareness of special use-cases such as Archiving by Design, the Maturity Model, and eIDAS views within the context of the architecture.

  • Understand how to use the Reference Architecture in various contexts and for different purposes.

Course Structure

The training course follows a structured approach, delivered through standalone videos. The course is organised into the following modules:

  • Overview
     Provides a high-level summary of the entire eArchiving Reference Architecture. It can be viewed as an introduction, a wrap-up, or a standalone module.

  • Lesson 1 - Introduction to reference architectures and the eArchiving Reference Architecture
     Introduces the concept of reference architectures in general, the ArchiMateÒ language, and the implementation within the eArchiving Reference Architecture.

  • Lesson 2 - Motivation aspect – Drivers, Goals and Principles
     Details the motivation elements (Stakeholders, Drivers, Goals, Principles) and their relationships within the eArchiving Reference Architecture. It also introduces the "Principles for Long-Term Accessibility of Information" document.

  • Lesson 3 - Strategy and business layer - Modelling OAIS processes
     Provides an overview of the Strategy and Business Layer elements and how the Business Views represent the processes of the OAIS functional entities.

  • Lesson 4 - Application Layer – Positioning E-ARK specifications and tools
     Focuses on the Application Layer, explaining how it showcases E-ARK specifications (like CSIP, SIP, AIP, DIP and Content Type Specifications) and software tools within the broader architectural context.

  • Lesson 5 - Example scenarios
     Presents various business and application layer example scenarios to illustrate the logic behind ArchiMateÒ elements and views and how they can be applied to specific use cases.

  • Lesson 6 - On-line edition
     Introduces the key features and functionalities of the online edition of the eArchiving Reference Architecture.

  • Lesson 7 - Special use-cases: Archiving by Design, Maturity Model and eIDAS views
     Explores specific applications and extensions of the reference architecture, including views related to the eArchiving Capability Maturity Model and the Archiving by Design approach.

  • Lesson 8 - How to use the Reference Architecture
     Provides guidance on the practical application of the eArchiving Reference Architecture.

The course also includes exercises to reinforce learning.

Geospatial

Introduction to Digital Long-Term Preservation

The "Introduction to Digital Long-Term Preservation" course is designed to provide participants with a foundational understanding of the concepts and practices involved in preserving digital information over long periods of time. This course covers key topics such as the challenges of digital preservation, preservation strategies, metadata creation, and the role of standards in ensuring interoperability.

Participants will delve into the unique characteristics of digital objects, exploring issues related to format obsolescence, hardware and software dependencies, and the ever-changing nature of digital technologies. The course will equip attendees with the knowledge needed to develop effective preservation plans, addressing the technical, organizational, and policy aspects essential for successful long-term digital preservation.

Key Topics:

  1. Introduction to Digital Preservation: Understanding the need for preserving digital content, challenges, and the significance of long-term access.
  2. Digital Objects and Formats: Examining the characteristics of digital objects, file formats, and the impact of format obsolescence on preservation efforts.
  3. Preservation Strategies: Exploring various approaches to digital preservation, including migration, emulation, and digital reformatting.
  4. Metadata for Preservation: Emphasizing the importance of metadata in describing, managing, and preserving digital assets.
  5. Standards and Best Practices: Surveying key standards and best practices in digital preservation to ensure consistency and interoperability.
  6. Institutional Readiness: Discussing the organizational and policy considerations necessary for implementing a successful digital preservation program.

By the end of the course, participants will have a solid understanding of the principles and techniques essential for preserving digital information for the long term, making it a valuable resource for librarians, archivists, information professionals, and anyone involved in the management of digital assets.