archivalTime

archivalTime is a temporal metadata standard designed to provide a consistent and unambiguous way of representing time-related data in digital archives. Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), archivalTime aims to address the complexities and nuances of time representation in digital environments.

The standard specifies a set of rules for representing time points, intervals, and durations in a machine-readable format. It also includes guidelines for the handling of edge cases, such as leap seconds and time zone conversions. archivalTime is based on the ISO 8601 standard for date and time representation, but extends its capabilities to accommodate the unique requirements of digital archives.

One of the key advantages of archivalTime is its capacity to facilitate interoperability between different digital preservation systems. By providing a common language for time-related metadata, archivalTime enables the seamless exchange and reuse of digital objects across different platforms and environments.

archivalTime has been adopted by several major digital preservation initiatives, including the Digital Preservation Coalition and the Networked Environment for Risk and Cultural Heritage Institutions (NERC). It has also been incorporated into a variety of software tools and systems, such as the Digital Public Library of America's (DPLA) metadata framework.

The development and adoption of archivalTime reflect the growing recognition of the importance of temporal metadata in digital preservation. By providing a robust and flexible framework for representing time-related data, archivalTime is poised to play a key role in the development of robust digital preservation strategies.