What does the term "format obsolescence" refer to?

The term "format obsolescence" refers to the risk that older digital formats can no longer be accessed due to changes in technology. As technology advances, certain digital file formats may become unsupported or are no longer compatible with modern software and hardware. This can make it challenging to access important information stored in these older formats.

Understanding this concept is crucial for digital archivists and specialists because it emphasizes the need for regular assessments of digital collections and potentially the migration of data to current and widely-supported formats. This proactive approach helps ensure the long-term accessibility and usability of digital assets, avoiding the potential loss of valuable information as technology evolves.

In contrast, converting physical records into digital formats is about digitization, which is an important practice but does not specifically address the problem of accessing data as technology changes. The removal of outdated data does not directly relate to the challenges posed by format obsolescence, which is more focused on the accessibility of data stored in legacy formats. Finally, adapting digital formats for new platforms may be a strategy to address obsolescence, but it doesn't define the term itself, which is primarily concerned with the inherent risks of accessing older formats.