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This list describes born-digital media and formats curators and accessioning staff might encounter in dealing with hybrid or born-digital collections. For any questions, please contact Monique Lassere.  


Media/FormatDescriptionPhotosIssues to Note
Floppy disk (3.5-inch, 5-inch, 8-inch)Floppy disks are a type of removable magnetic storage medium composed of thin magnetic disks in square plastic enclosures. Floppy disks come in three formats and sizes: 3.5", 5.25", and 8".


CDs and DVDsCDs and DVDs are a type of optical disk composed of plastic. Lasers are used to read and write data to CDs and DVDs. The primary differences between the two lie in their sizes and manufacturing methods.



Compact flash cardCompact flash cards are a type of flash memory mass storage device used primarily in portable devices. These are still popular today.


External and internal hard drives


Jaz diskJaz disk is a removable hard disk storage systems sold by Iomega in the 90's and early 200's.


Image of a 2gb Jaz disk cartridge sitting on top of three Jaz disk cartridge cases. Label says, 'jaz 2GB. This disk for use with Jaz 2GB drive only. iomega 2GBmac'

MinidiscMinidisc is a magneto-optical disc-based data storage devices that store audio.

SD Memory CardSD memory card is non-volatile memory card format for use in portable devices.

USB/flash driveA USB/flash drive is a data storage device that includes flash memory with a USB interface.

Zip diskZip disks are removable magnetic storage cartridges.

Computers or drives


Networked data/file transfer






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