Where it is difficult to prevent the
creation of a new file format, format selection is not an easy task, both in theory and in practice. It
is critical, however, to base the decision on a clear understanding of the purpose for which the
document is preserved: access preservation or repurposing preservation. Cultural heritage
institutions and digital repository communities need to guarantee long-term preservation of
digital resources in selected file formats. Additionally, users find it necessary to have access to
digital information in these file formats. Additional consideration involves the level of access users
may enjoy (e.g., long-term access, permanent access, open access, persistent access, etc.).