Open Archival Information System (OAIS): lights and shadows of a reference model

The Open Archive Information System (OAIS) reference model is an ISO standard originally developed by the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS). The model serves to define the processes for effective, long-term preservation of information, while ensuring access to them. This model also provides a common language to describe these objects and has been widely accepted in the digital preservation community. Although it is not an application architecture, many experts have called into question its use. This paper examines the features of the model and the scientific controversy arising from its adaptability to diverse scenarios and wide-spread implementation.