Abstract
This study examines the attributes that have been used to assess file formats in literature and compiles the most frequently used attributes of file formats in order to establish open standard file format selection criteria. A comprehensive review was undertaken to identify the current knowledge regarding file format selection criteria. The findings indicate that the most common criteria can be categorized into five major groups: functionality, metadata, openness, interoperability and independence. These attributes appear to be closely related. Additional attributes include presentation, authenticity, adoption, protection, preservation, reference and others.
Highlights
File format is one of the core issues in the fields of digital content management and digital preservation
As many different types of file formats are available for texts, images, graphs, audio recordings, videos, databases, and web applications, the selection of appropriate file formats poses an ongoing challenge to libraries, archives, and other cultural heritage institutions
The Format Descriptions database of the Global Digital Format Registry is an effort to maintain a detailed representation of information and sustainability factors for as many file formats as possible.[2]
Summary
File format is one of the core issues in the fields of digital content management and digital preservation. Many institutions, including the Library of Congress (LC), possess guidelines on file format applications for long-term preservation strategies that specify requisite characteristics of acceptable file formats (e.g., they are independent of specific operating systems, are independent of hardware and software functions, conform to international standards, etc.).[1] The Format Descriptions database of the Global Digital Format Registry is an effort to maintain a detailed representation of information and sustainability factors for as many file formats as possible (the PRONOM technical registry is another such database).[2] Despite these developments, file format selection remains a complex task and prompts many questions that range from a general interest (“Which selection criteria are appropriate?”) to more specific (“Are these international standard file formats sufficient for us to ensure long term preservation and access?” or “How should we define and implement standard file formats in harmony with our local context?”). The evaluation by Rauch, Krottmaier, and Tochtermann illustrates the practical use of file formats for 3D objects in terms of long-term reliability.[11]
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