This study uses conceptual content analysis to examine and compare definitions of "emulation," "migration," and other key terms in the digital preservation literature. Eight terms were coded and analyzed including "digital object," "authenticity," and "significant properties." Particular attention is paid to definitions of emulation and migration, and arguments for and against each process are reviewed. Within the library science literature there is a significant consensus about the definitions of many of these key terms. However, there still exists some ambiguity and disagreement about how these fundamental concepts should be understood. Those undertaking digital projects must be deliberate about defining these foundational terms before they begin work
