Produced for improving access to and/or for minimizing risk due to high use for original records. Reproduction masters are created for records that are not at immediate risk for loss of information.

Reproduction masters are created to appropriate capture specifications and can serve a variety of purposes, including fulfilling most researcher requests as well as limiting preservation risks due to loss, theft, and mishandling.

The primary goal of reproduction masters is to capture the content of the record. Because digital reproduction masters are not created to preservation capture specifications, they are not optimal files for replacing the original record if the original is damaged, destroyed, or not retained. Digital reproduction masters may undergo more significant processing or editing than preservation masters.

Reproduction masters are the next best copy to the preservation master. They are used to create distribution copies that satisfy most customer requests, as well as protect the original from loss, theft, and damage resulting from repeated transfers.

Reproduction master files are used to make other copies, including derivative digital files for use in various online access systems and film-based theater prints, as appropriate. Both physical format and digital reproduction masters are managed and maintained in a secure storage environment and are retained over the long term.

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