Persistent identifiers for archival materials of educational and research activities: using ARK (Archival Resource Key) in Kyoto University Digital Archive System (Peek)

Abstract

Several persistent identifiers, such as DOI (Digital Object Identifier) and Handle System, have become popular in Japan. However, ARK (Archival Resource Key) is still not used in Japan widely. ARK has a unique feature that allows using a hierarchical structure, which is appropriate for archival materials. In this work, we present the employment of ARK in Kyoto University Digital Archive System (Peek), which is the first use of ARK in Japan for a digital archive system. From this case, we show how beneficial it can be to use hierarchical-structured persistent identifiers especially for archival materials of educational and research activities in the recent past. We also discuss that it is possible to make materials public partially as the progress of archiving, ensuring permanent access.