What is BS EN ISO 30642:2011?

BS EN ISO 30642:2011 is a technical document that defines the requirements for creating and managing digital content for long-term preservation. It was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in collaboration with the British Standards Institution (BSI).

Why is BS EN ISO 30642:2011 important?

In today's digital age, it has become crucial to ensure the long-term accessibility and usability of digital content. BS EN ISO 30642:2011 provides guidelines and best practices for organizations and individuals involved in the creation, management, and preservation of digital content.

This standard helps address challenges such as technological obsolescence, format migration, and data integrity, which are critical for ensuring that digital content remains accessible and usable over time.

Main requirements of BS EN ISO 30642:2011

BS EN ISO 30642:2011 outlines several key requirements that need to be followed for effective digital content preservation:

Metadata: Properly documenting and describing digital content is essential for its long-term preservation. The standard provides guidelines on the types of metadata that should be captured and recorded.

File formats: Choosing appropriate file formats is crucial for long-term preservation. BS EN ISO 30642:2011 recommends using open and widely-supported file formats to avoid format obsolescence issues.

Storage and backup: Ensuring secure storage and regular backups of digital content are fundamental requirements for its long-term preservation. The standard outlines best practices for storage media and redundancy techniques.

Technical characteristics: Adhering to certain technical characteristics during the creation and management of digital content can significantly enhance its long-term preservation. This includes considerations such as file naming conventions, folder structures, and use of checksums.

Benefits of complying with BS EN ISO 30642:2011

By adhering to the requirements outlined in BS EN ISO 30642:2011, organizations and individuals can enjoy several benefits:

Long-term accessibility: Following this standard ensures that digital content remains accessible and usable for future generations.

Data integrity: Compliance with the standard helps maintain the integrity of digital content through proper documentation, backup, and storage practices.

Evidence of trustworthiness: Organizations that comply with BS EN ISO 30642:2011 demonstrate their commitment to preserving digital content reliably, which enhances their reputation and credibility.

Cost savings: Proactively managing digital content for long-term preservation can help avoid costly data migration or loss resulting from format obsolescence or storage failures.

In conclusion, BS EN ISO 30642:2011 is an important technical standard that provides guidelines for effective digital content preservation. By following its requirements, organizations and individuals can ensure the long-term accessibility, usability, and trustworthiness of their digital content.