The repository shall commit to a regular schedule of self-assessment and external certification.

This is necessary in order to ensure the repository continues to be trustworthy and there is no threat to its content.

Completed, dated checklists from self-assessments and/or third-party audits; certificates awarded for compliance with relevant ISO standards; timetables and evidence of adequate budget allocations for future certification.

A one-time check on trustworthiness is not adequate because many things will change over time. A longer term commitment should be demonstrated.

One of the main goals of the Certification working group is to manage APTrust’s documentation on aptrust.org for self-certification of ISO 16363 for Trusted Digital Repositories. The work of the Certification working group and the documentation that is presented on Trusted Digital Repository page and organized per the Trusted Digital Repository structure represents the steps of the self-assessment process.

In 2019 APTrust completed a self-assessment process and in August 2021 APTrust and Virginia Tech University submitted a co-application to be certified under the CoreTrustSeal. The application is currently under review.

See APTrust Background for detailed information on certification efforts.

The APTrust Preservation Policy states that it is to be reviewed “Every 2 years or when new service options are added.” The Policy also includes a history of versions and reviewers.

The APTrust Collection Strategy Policy states that the review frequency is “No less frequently than five years from adoption or previous review.” The Policy also includes a history of versions and reviewers.

APTrust Succession Policy outlines the process for regular review and evaluation of APTrust’s financial health twice each year.