Relational databases are widely used for collecting and managing data. Often, this data is of long-term value and has to be regularly archived. To date, the de facto standard for archiving relational databases is SIARD (Software Independent Archiving of Relational Databases): a format to simplify the archiving of relational databases that has been developed by the Swiss Federal Archives. In 2020 the DILCIS Board and eArchiving Building Block started the development of a Content Information Type Specification (CITS) for SIARD – a specification which provides guidelines on the packaging of SIARD content with further documentation and metadata.

To support the SIARD and CITS SIARD specifications, the DILCIS Board and eArchiving Building Block, in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Archives, are establishing an interest group on relational database archiving. This will be a community where information about SIARD, CITS SIARD, database archiving tools, best practices, case studies, and related news can be shared. If you are interested in database archiving,  please register for the group using this form.

As a member, you will receive the latest news and information about database archiving. You can also contribute to the success of the user group by sharing your experiences, helping manage the user group, supporting the development of SIARD and CITS SIARD, or simply forwarding the link to anyone you know who might benefit from being a member.

Links to additional information: 

• SIARD specification: https://dilcis.eu/content-types/siard 
• CITS SIARD specification: https://dilcis.eu/content-types/siard
• Relational Database Archiving Case Study 1 (draft): https://dilcis.eu/images/2020review/9_Draft_SIARD_Case_Study_1.pdf
• Relational Database Archiving Case Study 2 (draft): https://dilcis.eu/images/2020review/10_Draft_SIARD_Case_Study_2.pdf

If you have any questions, please contact the DILCIS Board: [email protected].