Creating a Framework for Applying OAIS to Distributed Digital Preservation

This paper describes work being done towards a Framework for Applying the Reference Model for an Open Archival Information System (OAIS) to Distributed Digital Preservation (DDP). Such a Framework will be helpful for future analyses and/or audits of repositories that are performing digital preservation in highly distributed ways. A great deal of work has already been accomplished toward the Framework itself, including selective community reviews of a white paper, case study interviews with DDP practitioners, and an analysis of OAIS as it relates to DDP. The paper will provide background information on this set of work, describe the research carried out to-date, and explain the proposed Framework components, including concepts and terminology, placement of OAIS functional entities, and roles and responsibilities for carrying out DDP.