Report on cost parameters for digital repositories

This report provides a high level analysis of published cost models. The analysis features the 

scope and sources of models; access and availability of tools; and the benefits and challenges

faced. Overall, OAIS principles form the basis for all digital preservation cost models 

surveyed so far. Based on the same reference model, the cost models are then tailored to the 

needs of the model creator, depending on the data that is available to the institution and the 

purpose served which makes them difficult to re-use.

The preliminary findings of a review of cost parameters for the selected models, has also been 

provided. This review focuses on how cost parameters map to the International Standard for 

Trusted Repositories (ISO 16363) which enabled us to assess the areas of; Organisational 

Infrastructure, Digital Object Management and Infrastructure and Security Risk Management,

in relation to the cost parameters within each model. The purpose was to assess whether cost 

models were measuring, through their parameters, the relevant activities for a trusted digital 

repository. The final report is due to be completed for the next deliverable, D32_2 (M30).

We also provide a review of a survey to investigate the level of preparedness of institutions as 

a prerequisite to ensure economically-sustainable digital preservation (DP) which was carried 

out in collaboration with the Business Cases work package (WP_36). The general purpose of 

the survey was to review financial approaches undertaken by research libraries and the review 

presented in this report is in relation to cost models only.