Based on the "Digital Library Medium Term Plan for 2004," the NDL has been operating the NDL Digital Archiving System since 2009 to preserve and provide access to digital materials over the long term. This system is designed to be compliant with the Reference Model for an Open Archival Information System (OAIS)[*] and to be capable of large-scale and flexible expansion of storage.

[*] Conceptual model of elements and functional requirements for archiving information. ISO 14721:2003

The NDL Digital Archiving System has following three objectives.

Acquisition and accumulation of digital information

The NDL Digital Archiving System acquires and accumulates digital information such as:

• Websites
• Online publications posted on the Internet such as white papers, annual reports and electronic journals
• Digitized contents (books, magazines, rare books, etc.)

Long-term preservation and provision of digital information

Internet resources can easily be deleted or updated. Digitized contents and packaged digital publications such as CDs and DVDs can become unplayable with media deterioration or obsolescence of technology. As well as paper materials, digital information resources are important cultural heritage to be preserved and provided to the public for a long time.

Collaboration and coordination with other systems

The NDL Digital Archiving System performs a metadata-based collaborative function with other systems such as domestic and foreign portal sites.
We cooperate with other institutions to handle the problems difficult to solve, and to promote maintenance of technical standards.