arkistointiformaatti

An arkistointiformaatti, or archival format, is a standardized digital file format designed for long-term preservation and accessibility of digital information. Unlike formats optimized for immediate use or display, archival formats prioritize stability, authenticity, and self-description. This ensures that a digital object can be reliably understood, interpreted, and rendered by future systems and users, even if the original software or hardware used to create it is no longer available.

Key characteristics of archival formats include their open and non-proprietary nature, which avoids vendor lock-in and promotes widespread adoption and support. They often incorporate metadata that describes the content, its origin, and its preservation history, aiding in provenance tracking and management. Common examples include PDF/A for documents, TIFF for images, and WAV for audio, chosen for their widespread support and lack of dependencies on specific proprietary software. The selection of an appropriate archival format is crucial for institutions like libraries, archives, and museums tasked with safeguarding digital cultural heritage and historical records. The goal is to mitigate digital obsolescence and ensure that digital assets remain accessible and usable over extended periods.