Format

Definition

The digital manifestion of the resource

Where Can the Format Information be Found?

Format is determined by examining the item

How Format Works in the Metadata Form

Parts:

Format – drop-down menu

Repeatable?

No

Required?

Yes - also see (more information) about required field

How Should the Format be Filled in?

• Select the correct format from the controlled vocabulary

Guideline	Examples
The format should match the broad resource type for the item:
Books, yearbooks, letters, newspapers, theses and dissertations and other text	text - Text
Artwork, posters, maps, photographs, scores, etc.	image - Image
For “physical object” use the format “image”	image - Image
If none of the format types fits, choose “other”	other - Other

Other Examples:

Yearbook

Format: text - Text

Architectural drawing

Format: image - Image

Transferware plate

Format: image - Image

Musical recording

Format: audio - Audio

U.S. Department of Agriculture bulletin

Format: text - Text

Postcard

Format: image - Image

Comments

• For physical (as opposed to digital) nature, including size and duration of the original resource, use the Physical Description element.

• For categorizing the primary content of the resource (to aid in searching) use the Resource Type element.

• Format is important because choice of appropriate preservation strategies depends on knowing the structural type of the digital manifestation

Glossary of Formats

Format	Code	Use for:
Audio	audio	Sound files
Image	image	Two-dimensional, graphic representations
Text	text	Written or printed documents
Video	video	Moving images
Website	website	Collection of webpages
Other	other	An other items

Resources

• UNT Format Controlled Vocabulary

More Guidelines:

• Quick-Start Metadata Guide

• Metadata Home