Recommended File Formats for SHAREOK

Abstract

SHAREOK can accept nearly any electronic file format. As stated in the SHAREOK Preservation Support Policy, OU Libraries is committed to preserving the binary form of the digital object of content deposited in SHAREOK. As resources permit, OU Libraries will also take further measures to preserve as much functionality ("look and feel") of the original content as possible. The Recommended File Formats table outlines the file formats that have a high, medium, and low probability of full preservation. The files in the left-hand column have a high probability of full preservation. Those in the right-hand column have a low probability of being fully preserved over time. Those formats in the middle are preferred over their counterparts in the right-hand column, but assurance of their long-term preservation is not as high as the left-hand column. We recommend that those depositing content in SHAREOK use formats in the left-hand column of the table if at all possible and consider methods for converting files with low probability to formats with higher probability. The item associated with this document, SHAREOK Institutional Repository: OU Policies and Guidelines, can be found at https://shareok.org/handle/11244/330071.