Result description
TTRAM examines 30 common repository activities and functions across digital object management, organisational infrastructure, technology and security. Each activity or function is considered against local repository variables. These local variables include the levels of retention, curation and preservation provided by the repository, and the characteristics of the repositories’ digital objects, depositors and users. Together, the activities, functions and local variables are used to propose related information (including policies, standards and procedures) that could usefully be made transparent. The activities and functions are based on a range of existing standards, criteria and requirements, and TTRAM seeks to support alignment rather than replace current work. While data repositories are a key focus, any organisation with a catalogue that enumerates digital objects is in scope of the TTRAM.
The TTRAM template and supporting materials are published on Zenodo:
Introduction and overview. An introduction to TTRAM, its intended uses and how it might be developed in the future: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17144159.
Matrix. The TTRAM template as a .csv spreadsheet. It includes an Info tab with links to further information and how to deliver feedback, a tab with a completed TTRAM as an example, and a blank template to be filled in. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17144259
Guide. A guide on how to fill in TTRAM, with descriptions of the 30 activities and functions, and suggestions for the information which should be made transparent about each of the activities and functions. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17144141
Design statement. A description of the drivers behind the design, as well as the standards used to create the activities and functions. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17144178
TTRAM is described in: D5.1 – Harmonised Matrix of Repository Functions, Activities & Characteristics. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17973113
Problem addressed
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 Trustworthy Digital Repositories (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 TDRs.
TTRAM is a framework to better understand digital repositories and how transparency around their broad range of activities can contribute to trustworthiness. TTRAM can be used to create conditions for a federated ecosystem of Trustworthy Digital Repositories that is resilient, interoperable, and aligned with FAIR, CARE, and TRUST principles.
Who can use the result
While data repositories are a key focus, any organisation with a catalogue that enumerates digital objects is in scope of the TTRAM. The target user groups include repository owners and managers, as well as certification bodies and policy developers.Timeline
The TTRAM will guide FIDELIS work on repositories’ maturity and federation (2026) and recommendations and guidance (2027), and contribute to training and support (2026-2027).How to use the result
Type of result
