An indispensable prerequisite for ensuring the long-term availability of net publications is reliable compliance with the technical requirements of long-term archiving. The SLUB does not guarantee long-term availability if these technical standards are not met.

Certain file formats are necessary for the delivery of files in PDF format.

The preferred file format for net publications subject to delivery is PDF/A.

Archivable format versions are:

• PDF/A-1a and PDF/A-1b (ISO 19005-1:2005)
• PDF/A-2a and PDF/A-2b (ISO 19005-2:2011)

PDF/A-1b and PDF/A-2b (Level B, "Basic") provide clear visual reproducibility and therefore represent the minimum requirement for an archivable document.

PDF/A-1a and PDF/A-2a (Level A, "Accessible") offer both unambiguous visual reproducibility and the ability to map text according to Unicode and structure the content of the document (ISO 19005-1) and are therefore preferred over Level B documents.

• You don't know PDF/A yet? Here we give you an overview: Introductory information on the PDF/A standard
• Would you like to create a PDF/A-compliant file? Here you will find practical handouts for Word, LaTeX, InDesign, etc.:Instructions for creating PDF/A-compliant files
• Having problems creating PDF/A-compliant files? Here we have compiled some causes of error messages when validating with the Preflight tool in Adobe Acrobat Professional: Explanation of common error messages

The SLUB PDF/A validator is available to check your files before delivery.

• SLUB PDF/A Validator

This validator checks the SLUB requirements for PDF/A compliant files. Specific requirements of other institutions may not be taken into account.

After your files have been sent to the SLUB, they will be checked for archivability. If the files turn out not to be archivable, we will notify you and ask you to provide corrected, standard-compliant versions. If necessary, we will offer assistance with the preparation.