The National Archives Catalog

Format

Mandatory Repeatable Data Type Authority Level Available A/V Only Public Element
No No Variable Character Length (30) Format Authority List Item Yes Yes

 

Definition: The format of the media comprising the audiovisual materials. For example, the format of videotape can be VHS or Betamax, the format for sound recordings can be Master or Stamper Matrix, or the format for motion pictures can be Duplicate Negative Composite or Master Projection Print Composite.

 

Purpose: Provides information on the media format useful for reproduction, storage, equipment selection, and playback.

 

Relationship: This element is dependent on Media Type. Each media occurrence of the archival materials must have a media type specified to create Format.

 

Guidance: Choose the correct term from the Format Authority List.

 

Examples:

 

Dication Belt: Magnabelt

 

Film: INTPCK

 

Sound: Mass Produced Pressing

 

Video: VHS


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