Produced when original records are at risk for loss of information, typically deterioration and/or obsolescence (e.g. acetate negatives and analog audio recordings).

Preservation master files are created at high to maximum capture specifications and can therefore serve a variety of purposes, including satisfying long-term preservation needs as well as fulfilling most researcher requests for high-quality files.

Preservation master files may capture additional information about the original beyond the content itself. Because they are created to high capture standards, preservation master files could take the place of the original record if the original was destroyed, damaged, or not retained. Preservation masters generally do not undergo significant processing or editing.

Analog preservation masters are usually created from the most original record copy available. Analog preservation masters are used to create reproduction master copies that satisfy most customer requests, as well as protect the original from loss of information. In most cases, the preservation master is not accessed directly unless the reproduction master is damaged, destroyed, or otherwise compromised.

Preservation masters are often used to make other copies including reproduction and distribution copies. Both physical format and digital preservation masters are managed and maintained in a secure storage environment and are retained over the long term.

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