The file format policy is meant to streamline the types of files that are accepted within the Institutional Repository. These files were chosen after deliberations on how commonly they are used within the community, their ability to be preserved for future use, and their ability to be used across as much different hardware and software as possible. This document is ever evolving and will expand as other file formats become more commonly used at Lewis University or based upon changes in the preservability of file formats.
In addition, the files chosen are geared towards maintaining the highest possible quality of the content. All the files and associated codecs that we ask submitters to utilize are lossless and maintain the quality of the original content over time and over many uses. We ask lossy/compressed files to not be uploaded unless absolutely necessary (e.g. the work only exists in a lossy format). This is because lossy files lose quality every time they are shared, uploaded, or downloaded. We desire for the works hosted in the institutional repository to maintain the highest possible quality.
Converting files to the acceptable types is the responsibility of the creator and/or uploader. For the most part, one can achieve the required file formats during the exporting or bouncing of the original project file. Audio, video, and image programs allow for saving and exporting to a wide variety of file types from the program itself; please ensure that you select one from the policy list.
If this is not possible, online resources like CloudConvert can work, but keep in mind that some data loss may occur through this method. When at all possible, utilize the original project files and the native program to convert files. If this is absolutely not possible, CloudConvert can be used as a backup. But please do not use CloudConvert to convert a lossy format to a lossless format - this will not recover any of the data that is already lost. If the lossy format is all that you have, the Institutional Repository can accept it.
Clicking the red "Select File" button will allow you to select a file from your computer. However, clicking the arrow next to it allows you to choose files from a link (URL), from your Google Drive, your Dropbox, or your OneDrive.
When you select your file, the system will automatically detect what file type it is. It will then narrow down your options for conversion to file formats that are associated with the file type (i.e. it will only show you image file types if you upload an image file, such as in the example).
After selecting your desired file type, clicking the "Convert" button will begin the conversion process. Once your file finished converting (the time it takes depends on the file type, the size of the file, and how many files you are converting at once), you may download your file.