Support for the Memento Framework

[netsensei]

Detailed description

The Memento Framework is a HTTP Framework for Time-Based Access to Resource States. From the RFC abstract:

The HTTP-based Memento framework bridges the present and past Web. It facilitates obtaining representations of prior states of a given resource by introducing datetime negotiation and TimeMaps. Datetime negotiation is a variation on content negotiation that leverages the given resource's URI and a user agent's preferred datetime. TimeMaps are lists that enumerate URIs of resources that encapsulate prior states of the given resource. The framework also facilitates recognizing a resource that encapsulates a frozen prior state of another resource.

The Datahub presents metadata as resources in a machine-readable format which are easily identifiable through an - preferably persistent - URI. Since those resources can (and will) change over time, maintaining the state of the resource becomes valuable.

Implementing the Memento Framework allows consumers to request prior states of a metadata record.

Context

The level 'truthfulness' of data is derived through the explicit endorsement an organisation gives by publishing data through their own domain, or a sanctioned domain. Given that value of information is innately driven by interpretation and, thus, is always context-dependent, being able to audit / track how information changes over time introduces the ability to account for those changes.

An institution managing collections may publish a description record describing a physical object. The information changes as research uncovers new facts about this object. Comparing past descriptions with the latest description allows consumers track the truthfulness of this information.

Possible implementation

Memento support is preferably added once the core data model of the application is more-or-less stable. Other major features (grouping via sets, security, support for various formats,...) need to be hashed out first.

More resources: https://github.com/machawk1/awesome-memento