This is a collection of templates synthesized from documentation created over MetaArchive's history, which can provide a starting point for new or existing PLNs in creating policy and procedures for the operation of the PLN. While some of the information in these documents describes characteristics unique to MetaArchive, concrete examples may provide a more fruitful starting point than fully genericized templates.

The charter describes the goals and purpose of the PLN, as well as how the network and members interact to fulfill their responsibilities.

An overview of who is responsible for different types of decision making, and how those decisions are made.

An outline of how much it would cost to sunset a PLN and policies to determine when the network would need to sunset for that process to happen successfully.

An overview of all the steps that need to be taken to sunset a PLN, with corresponding timelines.

A general set of guidelines on how to make the most of committee meetings through communication, meeting format, and facilitation strategy.

An overview of the leadership structure and the responsibilities of each role.

An overview of the technical specification of the network, along with the staff technical skills needed on the member’s end to be able to participate fully in the network, as a cache or to deposit content.

A set of questions to ask when trying to determine if a particular PLN is a good fit for an institution's digital preservation eneds. These questions are written from the perspective of the member, rather than the PLN, but cover information for both parties to gather before the initial conversation.

A guide for new members to onboard to the PLN, with an overview of the network’s technical and community infrastructure.

The membership agreement for members to sign when formally joining the PLN.

An overview of the steps that need to be taken for departing members to remove them fully from the network and to communicate the departure with PLN leadership and members.

A template for the exit interview questions for departing members to understand why they are leaving the network and to gather feedback. Particular exit interviews should have questions tailored to the member, when possible.

When a member leaves the PLN, the cache will need to be decommissioned and remaining members’ content removed. This agreement certifies that all PLN asset disposition has been completed by the departing member.