What type of information does "preservation metadata" include?

Preservation metadata encompasses the information necessary to understand and maintain digital content over time. This type of metadata is crucial for ensuring that digital materials remain accessible and usable as technology evolves. It includes details about the technical aspects of the content, such as file formats and compression methods, as well as documentation on the actions taken to preserve the data, such as migration strategies and the history of the digital object.

While other types of metadata such as technical metadata may focus on the format of the digital content or content identifiers may provide additional context about the materials, preservation metadata specifically targets the long-term sustainability and stewardship of digital information. It ensures that archivists and curators can continue to manage and access digital materials effectively despite potential technological changes or challenges. Usage statistics, while important for understanding access patterns, do not directly contribute to the preservation of content.