As the OAIS model uses a specific terminology, key terms will be explained briefly to provide a general understanding of its concepts: The processes described in the model include the archives’ interactions with other parties like producers and consumers. Data producers can be individual researchers or institutions. Consumers are individuals or institutions who contact the archive in order to request access to archived data.

The archive defines groups of potential consumers, so-called designated communities. All terms used here describe relevant aspects of data curation, which is to be understood as "a process of maintaining, preserving and adding value to data throughout its lifecycle" (RDA term collection).