Why it matters

Record the reference context and validate recovery so that archived data remains interpretable.

Test that an archive remains usable

Compression reduces a storage burden, but preservation still requires a plan for reading and interpreting the retained information. For an archive review, identify the reference context and tools needed by the chosen workflow, then test recovery instead of relying on the presence of a file.

This is an availability and provenance exercise as well as a storage task. A record that cannot be interpreted in its intended context may not satisfy the purpose for which it was preserved. Document dependencies alongside retention decisions so future users understand what recovery requires.

Sources