In digital preservation, what does the term 'digital object' refer to?

The term 'digital object' refers to any form of digital data, encompassing a wide range of content types and formats. This includes not only text documents but also images, videos, audio files, and other types of digital media. Digital objects are central to digital preservation because they are the items that institutions strive to keep accessible and usable over time as technology and formats change.

Understanding the breadth of what constitutes a digital object is crucial in the field of digital preservation, as it informs how institutions approach the management, storage, and archiving of diverse digital materials. This definition aligns with contemporary practices in digital preservation, where the focus is on ensuring the longevity and usability of varied types of digital information.

The other options limit the understanding of digital objects. Focusing on physical items, text-based records, or hardware overlooks the comprehensive range of digital materials that require preservation and management in today’s digital landscape.