Why is RADAR not certified according to CoreTrustSeal?

Published: 30.07.2020

We often hear this question and our answer is: Because it is not possible.

Currently, CoreTrustSeal certification is only suitable for repositories that take responsibility for the curation and long-term preservation of a defined digital collection - taking into account the requirements and knowledge base of a defined Designated Community. Accordingly, a multidisciplinary, generic repository such as RADAR, which addresses a broad target group with the entire scientific community, does not fall within the current scope of CoreTrustSeal:

Due to its generic approach, RADAR does not curate its own data, but delegates this to the institution using RADAR by means of the specific RADAR role and rights model. RADAR therefore has no direct influence on e.g. content quality control, correct metadata annotation, data format selection or local responsibilities. However, the responsibility for data curation is a condition for obtaining the CoreTrustSeal.
After archiving or publication, RADAR does not modify the data packets transferred to the permanent storage, but ensures their physical preservation ("bitstream preservation"). Accordingly, our service agreement does not guarantee the permanent usability or interpretability of the data contained in a data package, as these depend on the availability of the selected data formats and programs for their interpretation. However, the responsibility for maintaining and preserving the usability of the digital data within the terms of a "preservation policy" is a condition for obtaining the CoreTrustSeal.

Both aspects mentioned above are service features of RADAR and enable cost-efficient operation by FIZ Karlsruhe according to the sustainable business model developed during the DFG project phase and RADAR's transparent pricing model.

Good to know: An institution using RADAR can apply for the CoreTrustSeal for its own institutional RADAR repository. If you would like to learn more about this, please contact us!

In addition, CoreTrustSeal has recognized the increasing demand for certification in a differentiating landscape with diverse stakeholders and is currently exploring the possibilities for expanding its certification. RADAR participated in the first round of consultation by CoreTrustSeal in July 2020 with a statement on the paper "Request for Feedback - Specialists, Generalists, and Technical Repository Service Providers".