What is the purpose of PRONOM?

PRONOM serves as a public, web-based file format registry that is managed by the National Archives in the UK. Its primary purpose is to provide information about the file formats that might be encountered in digital archives, including details such as the technical properties of these formats, their historical context, and any associated risks regarding their long-term preservation. By documenting various file formats, PRONOM plays a crucial role in digital preservation efforts, allowing archivists, digital curators, and information professionals to make informed decisions about how to manage, store, and preserve digital materials effectively.

The other options do not accurately describe PRONOM's functions: it is not a digital preservation policy framework, a tool for data recovery, or software for digital media design. The distinct focus of PRONOM on file formats and their preservation information underscores its uniqueness and importance in the realm of digital archiving.