Retro-archiving data: the ADA method

With research groups and scientific institutions in mind, DANS developed the ADA method: Academic Digital Archiving. This method makes it possible to retro-archive older digital research files and thus to safeguard items of scientific value.

During an ADA project, a collection of existing data is inventoried, selected, reconstructed and, finally, archived in an accessible way. This may vary from a single research project to the entire data production of a research group or institution. Metadata is added to make files accessible and permanent. As the ADA method is modular in structure and therefore flexible, ADA projects can be customized to a client’s individual wishes. ADA projects can involve only an initial inventory but can also involve all the follow-up steps up to and including a complete archiving project.

DANS can advise on the usefulness of an ADA project and help in its realisation. DANS can also carry out all or part of this research on your behalf. Whatever you choose, you remain in control of your data at all times.

Information:
Heiko Tjalsma T +31 6 232 972 46 E heiko.tjalsma at dans.knaw.nl

The publication Archiveren van Digitaal Academisch Erfgoed (Archiving of Digital Academic Heritage) describes the ADA approach (only available in Dutch).