Workbook on Digital Private Papers > Glossary
Glossary - F
Format registry
Format registries are services which hold varying levels of information about file formats. These can serve a number of purposes for digital archivists, who must be able to identify the formats and essential format characteristics of the digital objects they receive. Format registries refer to externally-held file format specifications and compatible software, and/or collect and preserve actual copies of specifications and software. The registries that will be most useful for digital archivists are those which are specifically being developed as useful sources of information for the digital preservation community, e.g. PRONOM and GDFR.
