CA Advanced Techniques & Methods 2

Question 1

Which metadata standard is most commonly used to describe archival collections at the collection, series, and item levels in a hierarchical structure?

Accepted Answer

Encoded Archival Description (EAD)

Answer

EAD is an XML-based standard specifically designed to encode archival finding aids using a hierarchical structure from collection to item level.

Question 2

When appraising digital records, which characteristic distinguishes a record with permanent value from one with temporary value?

Accepted Answer

The record documents unique organizational decisions or provides evidence of rights and obligations

Answer

Permanent value is determined by evidential and informational value — records that document unique decisions, rights, obligations, or historically significant activities.

Question 3

A replevin action in archives refers to which legal process?

Accepted Answer

The legal recovery of records or artifacts that were wrongfully removed from an institution

Answer

Replevin is a legal remedy used to recover personal property, and archives use it to reclaim records that were improperly removed or stolen.

Question 4

In digital preservation, what is the primary purpose of creating a Submission Information Package (SIP)?

Accepted Answer

To package content and metadata for ingest into a digital preservation system

Answer

A SIP, as defined by the OAIS Reference Model, bundles digital content with descriptive and preservation metadata for submission to a digital repository.

Question 5

Which technique is used to detect unauthorized alterations to digital files after they have been ingested into a preservation repository?

Accepted Answer

Checksum validation using cryptographic hash functions

Answer

Cryptographic hash functions (e.g., MD5, SHA-256) generate a unique checksum for each file; any alteration changes the hash, revealing tampering.

(CA) Certified Archivist Certification Practice Test

(CA) Certified Archivist Certification Practice Test

CA Advanced Techniques & Methods 2