preservation metadata Preservation metadata is an essential component of most digital preservation strategies. As an increasing proportion of the world's information output shifts from analog to digital form, it is necessary to develop new strategies to preserve this information for the long-term. Preservation metadata is information that supports and documents the digital preservation process. Preservation metadata is sometimes considered a subset of technical or administrative metadata. Preservation metadata stores technical details on the format, structure and use of the digital content, the history of all actions performed on the resource including changes and decisions, the authenticity information such as technical features or custody history, and the responsibilities and rights information applicable to preservation actions. Preservation metadata is access-centered and should accomplish four themes: include details about files and instructions for use; document all updates or actions that have occurred to an object; show provenance and demonstrate current and future custody; list details on the individual(s) who are responsible for the preservation of the object. (Excerpt from Wikipedia article: Preservation metadata) 22 47 1.3 http://www.ariadne.ac.uk/sites/all/datacharts/hc/13898-chart-wp.html