Semantic Units of the PREMIS Data Dictionary
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| Containers | Current | Descendants |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - Object 1.5 - objectCharacteristics | 1.5.4 format | 1.5.4.1 formatDesignation 1.5.4.2 formatRegistry 1.5.4.3 formatNote |
| Semantic unit | 1.5.4 format |
|---|---|
| Definition | Identification of the format of a file or bitstream where format is defined as the organization of digital information according to preset specifications. |
| Applicability | Bitstream, File |
| Obligation | Mandatory |
| Repeatability | Repeatable |
| Rationale | Many preservation activities depend on detailed knowledge about the format of the digital object. An accurate identification of format is essential. The identification provided, whether by name or pointer to a format registry, should be sufficient to associate the object with more detailed format information. |
| Data constraint | Container |
| Creation / Maintenance notes | The format of a file or bitstream should be ascertained by the repository on ingest. Even if this information is provided by the submitter, directly in metadata or indirectly via the filename extension, recommended practice is to identify the format independently by parsing the file when possible. If the format cannot be identified at the time of ingest, it is valid to record that it is unknown, but the repository should subsequently make an effort to identify the format, even if manual intervention is required. |