What does format migration aim to ensure in digital preservation?

Format migration plays a crucial role in digital preservation by addressing the challenges posed by technological advancements and the obsolescence of file formats. The primary goal of format migration is to update digital content from outdated or obsolete formats to current, widely accessible formats. This process ensures that the data remains readable and usable as hardware and software evolve.

By migrating formats, archives can prevent data loss that might occur if the original format becomes unsupported or if the software required to access that format is no longer available. This proactive approach is fundamental for maintaining long-term accessibility to digital assets, which is vital for preserving the integrity and usability of digital materials over time.

Ensuring that files remain unchanged over time does not align with the goal of format migration, as it inherently involves updating and potentially altering file formats to maintain accessibility. Similarly, while preserving physical copies is important, it is separate from the digital preservation efforts that focus on formats. Lastly, access control to digital materials is essential for managing user permissions but does not directly relate to the technical processes involved in format migration.