Preservation plan

Australian Data Archive Preservation Plan

The plan covers data and metadata managed by ADA for digital preservation and reuse, based on the Open Archival Information System (OAIS) Reference Model PDF. The plan outlines the scope, objectives, responsibilities, and actions for preserving data deposited with ADA. It does not cover administrative data or other data related to the function of ADA.

Scope

ADA holds over 1600 datasets and 13,000 data files through 1833 until the present day, available for reuse through the ADA Dataverse platform. Most data are focussed within the social sciences as quantitative survey data, but ADA has published a qualitative collection [1] through an ARDC project to develop support for archiving of qualitative data. Ongoing preservation of data [2] is provided by the Archive for all data that is deemed suitable once approved at each step of the archival work flow [3], beginning with the deposit appraisal process [4].

[1] Studies of Childhood, Education & Youth (SOCEY)
[2] ADA Governance & Resources
[3] ADA Workflows
[4] ADA Appraisal & Collection Policy

Objectives

To ensure ADA, depositors, and the Designated Community understand and follow preservation Actions <link to heading below> under this plan:

• Processes to manage file and metadata formats sufficient for long term storage, preservation, and accessibility.
• Measures to address preservation levels and threat of obsolescence.
• Documentation to support activities undertaken by the ADA workflow to ensure preservation.
• Management of deaccessioned data.

Responsibilities

ADA has been responsible for providing archival and preservation support since 1981 [4] growing from the needs of its Designated Community. In this time ADA has continued to keep pace and meet changes within the technical and user landscape with active participation through external engagement and memberships [5], in-kind collaborations and funded projects [6]. ADA supports the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Re-Usable) principles supported through the implementation of FAIR in the Dataverse platform, and is actively working towards the support of CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, and Ethics) by providing support for Indigenous focussed projects and research.

[4] Mission & Scope
[5] Expertise & Guidance
[6] ADA Projects