What is EN ISO 26157:2018

EN ISO 26157:2018 is a technical standard that provides guidelines for the design, development, and implementation of management systems for digital repositories. In today's digital age, where large amounts of data are being created, stored, and shared, it is crucial to have effective systems in place to ensure the preservation, accessibility, and long-term usability of this data.

Why is EN ISO 26157:2018 important?

In order to effectively manage digital repositories, organizations need to follow industry best practices. EN ISO 26157:2018 provides these best practices as an international standard, ensuring that all organizations can adhere to the same set of guidelines. By implementing the principles outlined in this standard, organizations can minimize risks associated with data loss, improve data security, and enhance the overall efficiency of their digital repository systems.

Key features of EN ISO 26157:2018

The standard outlines several key features that organizations should consider when designing and implementing their digital repository management systems:

Data integrity: EN ISO 26157:2018 emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of digital data throughout its lifecycle. This includes ensuring data accuracy, reliability, and authenticity.

Metadata: The standard highlights the significance of metadata in managing digital repositories. Metadata provides essential information about the content, context, and structure of data, enabling efficient search, retrieval, and preservation of digital assets.

Access control: EN ISO 26157:2018 stresses the need for appropriate access controls to protect digital repositories from unauthorized access or tampering. This ensures that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive or confidential data.

Preservation planning: The standard encourages organizations to develop comprehensive preservation plans for their digital assets. This involves considering factors such as data formats, storage requirements, migration strategies, and long-term accessibility.

Conclusion

EN ISO 26157:2018 plays a crucial role in guiding organizations in the design, development, and implementation of effective management systems for digital repositories. By adhering to this standard, organizations can ensure the longevity, accessibility, and integrity of their digital assets, ultimately improving their overall data management practices.