D5.1 - Harmonised Matrix of Repository Functions, Activities & Characteristics

The FIDELIS project - “Establishing A European Network of Trustworthy Digital Repositories” -  aims to establish a self-sustaining network of trustworthy digital repositories (TDRs) that will foster a supportive open science environment and guarantee FAIR data sharing also in the future. 

Different repositories preserving digital objects are key stakeholders for the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC). Currently there are several guidelines, recommendations or other documents setting expectations and assumptions around TDRs in the EOSC context. Federation of repositories, services and data or other digital objects requires better understanding of repositories and the activities and functions they undertake. In addition, there is a need to reach consensus on the characteristics of trustworthy digital repositories. To support reaching this consensus in the context of the EOSC, the FIDELIS project Pillar 3 (WP5) has developed the Transparent Trustworthy Repository Attributes Matrix (TTRAM) and analysed the European repository landscape. The TTRAM examines 30 common repository activities and functions across digital object management, organisational infrastructure, technology and security. 

This deliverable introduces the TTRAM, highlights key results from the landscape analysis and provides a harmonised view of TDR characteristics and criteria. The focus is on the generally applicable level and on Europe, but the approach takes into account the diversity of repositories and communities and can be applied globally.

The TTRAM has already proven to be a useful tool for a broad range of repositories due to its coverage of key activities and functions and built-in flexibility. Refining the TTRAM based on feedback and observations will be a priority for future work. In addition, the landscape and the context where repositories operate are continuously changing. Collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders and actively seeking community feedback, flexibility and iteration will be key factors in keeping the TTRAM valid and widely applicable.

The FIDELIS WP5 team would like to thank everyone who has provided input and welcomes further feedback, comments and questions via fidelis.matrixfeedback-request@postit.csc.fi.