Which of the following is NOT a main type of metadata used in digital archives?

In the context of digital archives, understanding the types of metadata is essential. Descriptive, technical, and preservation metadata are all recognized categories that serve specific purposes in the management and accessibility of digital assets.

Descriptive metadata provides information about the content, context, and structure of digital objects. It helps users identify and discover digital resources efficiently. Technical metadata includes details about the file format, encoding, and other technical specifics essential for the proper management and preservation of digital materials. Preservation metadata is crucial for maintaining the authenticity and integrity of digital objects over time, detailing the history of the object, including its provenance and any digital preservation actions taken.

On the other hand, informational metadata is not typically categorized as a main type of metadata within the digital archiving framework. While it may provide valuable context or additional information about a dataset, it does not fit neatly into the main categories focused on discovery, management, and preservation essential for digital archives. Thus, identifying informational metadata as not being a main type underscores the structured categorization of metadata in the field.