What is an essential feature of an effective specification in preservation?

An effective specification in preservation is critically dependent on having clear and related requirement definitions. This is because precise and well-defined requirements ensure that all stakeholders understand the objectives and constraints of the preservation project. Clear definitions help in establishing what needs to be preserved and under what conditions, allowing for better planning, resource allocation, and execution of preservation strategies. When requirements are related, they provide cohesiveness to the project, ensuring that every aspect of the preservation effort aligns with the overall goals and that there are mechanisms in place to assess success.

While high cost-effectiveness, flexibility in implementation, and emphasis on user preferences are important in the broader context of project management and user engagement, they ultimately hinge on having a solid foundation of well-articulated requirements. Without this clarity, features like cost-effectiveness or user preferences may lead to misaligned priorities and inadequate preservation outcomes. Thus, the essence of effective specification lies in its clarity and relevance, enabling successful and sustainable preservation efforts.