On the Preservation of Evolving Digital Content – The Continuum Approach and Relevant Metadata Models

Abstract

We consider the preservation of digital objects in continually evolving ecosystems, for which traditional lifecycle approaches are less appropriate. Motivated by the Records Continuum theory, we define an approach that combines active life with preservation and is non-custodial, which we refer to as the continuum approach. Preserving objects and their associated environment introduces high level of complexity. We therefore describe a model-driven approach, termed the Continuum approach, in which models rather than the digital objects themselves can be analysed. In such setting, the use of appropriate metadata is very important, we therefore outline the PERICLES Linked Resource Model, an upper ontology for modelling digital ecosystems, and compare and contrast it to the Australian Government Recordkeeping Metadata Standard, developed within the record keeping community.