Säilytysmetadata

Säilytysmetadata, also known as archival metadata or preservation metadata, refers to the information necessary to ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of digital objects. It goes beyond the descriptive or administrative metadata typically used for retrieval and management. Säilytysmetadata focuses on documenting the history, technical characteristics, and context of a digital object to enable its future use and understanding.

Key components of säilytysmetadata often include technical metadata detailing file formats, software dependencies, hardware requirements, and any transformations applied to the object. It also encompasses administrative metadata related to intellectual property rights, access restrictions, and administrative provenance. Crucially, preservation metadata records the history of the object, including its origin, creation date, modification history, and any preservation actions undertaken, such as migration or emulation.

The purpose of säilytysmetadata is to provide a comprehensive record that allows future users and systems to interpret, render, and utilize digital content even as technologies evolve and original storage media degrade. It is essential for digital archives, libraries, and cultural heritage institutions to maintain the integrity and usability of their digital collections over extended periods. Standards like PREMIS (Preservation Metadata: Implementation Strategies) provide a framework for defining and managing säilytysmetadata.