archivan

Archivan is a term used in digital preservation to describe a class of archival repositories that aim to ensure the long-term survival of digital objects. The concept emphasizes integrity, authenticity, and ongoing accessibility, even as technologies change over time. In practice, archivan systems combine strict data preservation practices with standardized metadata to document provenance, context, and rights.

Core features of archivan systems typically include:

- Content-addressable storage with cryptographic hashes to detect corruption.

- Immutable or write-once storage models to prevent unauthorized modification.

- Preservation metadata standards such as PREMIS and METS, plus descriptive metadata for discovery.

- Versioning and fixity checks with auditable provenance trails.

- Packaging and migration strategies to maintain accessibility as formats evolve.

Implementation and use

Archivan platforms are used by national libraries, archives, museums, universities, and large corporations seeking durable records. They may be standalone or integrated with institutional repositories and OAIS-compliant workflows. Adoption challenges include cost, complexity, and the need for ongoing governance, regular format migrations, and staff training.

Relationship to preservation frameworks

The concept aligns with the OAIS (Open Archival Information System) reference model, particularly in areas of preservation planning, access, and provenance management.