What is ISO-TR 22742:2021?

ISO-TR 22742:2021, also known as "Information and documentation - Process for documenting information objects for long-term preservation," is a technical report published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It provides guidelines and recommendations for organizations on how to document and preserve information objects in a long-term and sustainable manner.

Importance of Long-Term Preservation

Long-term preservation of information objects is crucial in today's digital age, where vast amounts of information are created and stored electronically. Without proper documentation and preservation strategies, important data and knowledge could be lost forever due to technological obsolescence, hardware failures, or other risks. ISO-TR 22742:2021 helps organizations address these challenges and ensure the longevity and accessibility of their valuable information assets.

Key Principles and Recommendations

ISO-TR 22742:2021 outlines several key principles and recommendations for the documentation and preservation of information objects. These include:

Metadata: Organizations should create and maintain descriptive metadata that accurately represents the content, structure, and context of the information objects. This helps facilitate their discovery, understanding, and interpretation over time.

File Formats: Information objects should be stored in file formats that are open, widely supported, and resilient to technological changes. Using proprietary or obsolete file formats increases the risk of data loss and restricts future access.

Data Integrity: Measures should be implemented to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the information objects throughout their lifecycle. This includes implementing checksums, digital signatures, and other mechanisms to detect and prevent data corruption or tampering.

Documentation Updates: Organizations should regularly review and update the documentation of their information objects to reflect changes in technologies, standards, or contextual factors. This helps maintain the relevancy and usability of the preserved information over time.

Conclusion

ISO-TR 22742:2021 serves as a valuable resource for organizations seeking guidance on documenting and preserving information objects for long-term accessibility. By following the principles and recommendations outlined in this technical report, organizations can enhance the durability, reliability, and usability of their information assets, ensuring that they remain accessible and meaningful for future generations.