Reference Information

Reference Information is the information that is used as an identifier for a Data Object. It also includes identifiers that allow outside systems to refer unambiguously to a particular Data Object.

It identifies, and if necessary describes, one or more mechanisms used to provide assigned identifiers for the Data Object. It also provides those identifiers that allow outside systems to refer, unambiguously, to this particular Data Object. Examples of these systems include taxonomic systems, reference systems and registration systems. In the OAIS Reference Model most if not all of this information is replicated in Package Descriptions, which enable Consumers to access Information of interest.

For scientific data examples include:

• Object identifier, including one or more types of Persistent Identifiers

• Journal reference

• Mission, instrument, title, attribute set