The AHDS digital repository has been developed as part of the AHDS Strategic Plan for 2002-05, and in response to a recommendation from a review of AHDS collections management and preservation practices, carried out in 2001-02 by external consultants. The new OAIS (Open Archival Information System) reference model (external link) compliant centralised repository replaces the previously separate arrangements made by each AHDS Centre for the storage and preservation of their holdings.

The repository will store editions of digital collections deposited with the AHDS as Archival Information Packages (AIPs). Each AIP will hold one edition of a digital collection, and will consist of:

• Each file in the collection as it is deposited with the AHDS
• The information content from each deposited file, held in formats suitable for long-term preservation
• The information content from each deposited file, held in formats that are convenient for users, but may not be suitable for long term preservation

In addition to the data and documentation supplied by depositors, each AIP will also include administrative material (scanned copies of licenses, deposit forms, important correspondence). The resource discovery and preservation metadata created by the AHDS will be stored in the repository as XML documents and synchronised with management databases and the AHDS catalogue.

• AHDS preservation policies and procedures
• Interview on AHDS Repository with Sheila Anderson (AHDS Director) and Hamish James (ex Preservation Manager) - October 2004 (external link)
• Poster from Opening of Digital Curation Centre - AHDS OAIS Mappings - (426 kb pdf file)

Page last modified: 1st August 2005 by Alastair Dunning
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