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The goal of the InterPARES 1 Project was to develop the theoretical
and methodological knowledge necessary for the permanent preservation of authentic records generated and/or maintained
electronically. On the basis of this knowledge, the project aimed to formulate model policies, strategies and standards
capable of ensuring that preservation.
In order to accomplish its goal, the research was divided into four
domains of inquiry, each with its own goal and methodology:
Authenticity domain
Goal: |
To identify conceptual requirements for assessing and maintaining
the authenticity of electronic records. |
Methodology: |
Two methodological approaches were adopted:
- a theoretical and deductive approach, based on contemporary
archival diplomatics and
- an inductive and empirical approach that employed case
studies selected on the basis of grounded theory to understand the records generated by a variety of existing
electronic systems.
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Appraisal domain
Goal: |
To determine whether the selection of electronic
records should be based on the same or different criteria as those for traditional records and how digital technologies
affect appraisal methodology. |
Methodology: |
Three different methodologies were adopted in
sequence:
- a review of the literature on appraisal of electronic
records,
- a study of archival policies, procedures, methods and appraisal
reports, and
- modeling of the activities involved in the selection of
electronic records.
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Preservation domain
Goal: |
To develop preservation methods for authentic
electronic records. |
Methodology: |
Both an empirical and an analytical approach
were adopted, including:
- a survey of existing programs, plans, and technologies
for preserving electronic records, and
- a modeling of the activities involved in the preservation
of authentic electronic records, that took into account the findings of the Appraisal and Authenticity Task
Forces.
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Strategy domain
Goal: |
To develop an intellectual framework for the articulation
of international, national, and organizational policies, strategies, and standards for the long-term preservation
of authentic electronic records. |
Methodology: |
The intellectual framework was developed by distilling
principles and criteria from the findings of the other three domains. It was then analyzed in the context of the
national and jurisdictional environments in which the co-investigators operated, and discussed in national and
multinational team reports. |
Each domain was entrusted to one task force, the composition of
which was both interdisciplinary and international. Thus, there were four task forces: Authenticity Task Force, Appraisal
Task Force, Preservation Task Force, StrategyTask Force.
Terminology
A Glossary Committee (final report) composed
of the chairs of all task forces took the responsibility of developing a controlled
vocabulary of terms from those used or developed by the task forces in the course of their work, for the purpose
of ensuring terminological consistency and rigour within the project.
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