Trusted digital repository

From Science Europe Data Glossary

Definition: a trusted digital repository (TDR) is a repository whose mission is to provide reliable, long-term access to managed digital resources to its designated community, now and in the future.
Explanation: according to the original definition in 2002, a TDR must include the following seven attributes: compliance with the reference model for an Open Archival Information System (OAIS), administrative responsibility, organizational viability, financial sustainability, technological and procedural suitability, system security, procedural accountability.
A European Framework for Audit and Certification of Digital Repositories was set up to help organizations in obtaining appropriate certification as a trusted digital repository and establishes three increasingly demanding levels of assessment:

  • Basic Certification: self-assessment using 16 criteria of the Data Seal of Approval (DSA).
  • Extended Certification: Basic Certification and additional externally reviewed self-audit against ISO 16363 or DIN 31644 requirements.
  • Formal Certification: validation of the self-certification with a third-party official audit based on ISO 16363 or DIN 31644.

References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_preservation; http://www.trusteddigitalrepository.eu
See also: data repository; data archive; digital preservation