originalmaterial
Original material is the initial content created by a person or organization, existing in its earliest form and serving as the source for subsequent derivatives. It includes writings, recordings, data, designs, and artifacts that embody the creator’s original expression or discovery before any transformation, translation, or adaptation.
In copyright law, originality and fixation are key. Original material must be fixed in a tangible medium
In archival and library contexts, original material refers to primary sources—manuscripts, letters, reports, field notes, photographs,
In publishing, film, and software, the term helps distinguish the author’s own creation from derivative works,
Preservation and access concerns include maintaining integrity, documenting provenance, and providing metadata. Protecting original material ensures