Which functional area is NOT included in the NDSA Levels of Preservation?

The functional area that is not included in the National Digital Stewardship Alliance (NDSA) Levels of Preservation is compliance. The NDSA framework focuses on several key functional areas that are essential for ensuring the preservation of digital content over time. Among these areas, storage, content, and integrity are critical aspects related to how digital materials are managed and maintained.

Storage pertains to how and where digital materials are physically kept, emphasizing the importance of using reliable storage solutions that ensure the longevity of data. Content relates to the actual materials being preserved, highlighting the necessity of maintaining the integrity and accessibility of digital assets. Integrity is about maintaining the authenticity and reliability of the digital objects and ensuring they have not been altered or corrupted over time.

Compliance, while important in the broader context of digital stewardship and archival practices, does not fall under the specific categories defined by the NDSA Levels of Preservation. The focus of the NDSA is more on technical and operational aspects rather than on regulatory or compliance-related measures, which are usually addressed in different frameworks or guidelines regarding data management and preservation. Thus, compliance is not part of the core functional areas outlined in the NDSA.