What does the DACS standard help to improve in digital archives?

The DACS standard, or Describing Archives: A Content Standard, is specifically designed to enhance the way archival materials are described, making it easier for users to access and understand the content of those materials. By providing a clear framework for describing the structure, context, and relationships of archival collections, DACS promotes better organization and retrieval of digital archives.

This improved description aids researchers, historians, and the general public in locating and utilizing archival materials, thus facilitating access to important information and fostering greater engagement with the archival content. The use of standardized language and guidelines ensures consistency in description, further enhancing the discoverability of archives in digital formats.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the purpose of the DACS standard. Creating physical copies of digital records does not involve describing or improving accessibility; it focuses on duplication rather than description. Reducing the size of digital files pertains to file management and storage rather than the descriptive clarity or access that DACS provides. Lastly, increasing reliance on paper documentation is contrary to the aims of digital archiving, which seek to minimize the use of physical paper by preserving and providing access to materials in digital formats.