Preserving Endangered Audio Media - Rethinking Archival Strategies for Conservation of Analogue Audio Carriers

Preserving Endangered Audio Media – Rethinking Archival Strategies for Conservation of Analogue Audio Carrier

ILKAR is funded in the framework of KUR – Programme to Preserve and Conserve Mobile Cultural Assets, an initiative of the German Federal Cultural Foundation and the Cultural Foundation of German States

Berlin, June 9-10th, 2011

!!!Deadline for papers extended until March 31th, 2011!!!

Wir akzeptieren auch Abstracts auf Deutsch!

Overview 

A huge part of European cultural audio and audiovisual productions is preserved on magnetic tape media. The Technical Committee of the IASA estimates that within the next 15 years a critical amount of today's recordings will be inaccessible even if an overall good storage situation is assumed. Currently, there are no reliable, scientifically-verified methods to measure life expectancy of the magnetic tape, but it is clear that these storage media are aging and will not last forever.

Digitization can keep alive the recordings for an infinite amount of time. This process requires a lot of work, time and money. New expertise is needed to perform the key task of preservation in the digital age.

Preservation and conservation of audio media is a complex challenge for archives and museums. New scientific research, for example, in analytical chemistry can change the handling of tapes and cylinders.

The symposium will convene experts and stakeholders to discuss current perspectives for integrated preservation, archiving and digitizing strategies.

Concept and Themes

The International Symposium aims at gathering professionals of the different fields within the archival community in order to explore interdisciplinary boundaries. The following issues will be addressed in particular:

• obsolescence and implications of formats
• identification of endangered materials
• optimal conditions for the conservation/archival of tapes
• development of prioritized digitization strategies
• deceleration of the degradation processes of magnetic tapes' materials
• search for a reliable tool for the assessment of tape conservation state
• conservation measures for the replayability of damaged tapes and analysis of tape materials amongst others
• Economic options for archiving and storage with special focus on small archives

During the days of the symposium, round table discussions focusing on these main topics will provide opportunities for exchange between the lecturers and participants. Paper submissions are welcome about all historical audio media. Please be aware of the deadline (Feb. 15th, 2011). Some of them will be selected for oral presentation; the remaining ones may be presented as posters.

Working Language

English. Kindly note, that no simultaneous translation will be provided. Bilingual abstracts will be distributed.

Participation

The workshop is open to everyone. The subject matter is of particular interest to conservators, conservation scientists, registrars, museum curators and professionals involved in handling physical audio-media. A certificate of attendance will be granted.

Organization

The workshop is co-organized by the Ethnologisches Museum and the Rathgen-Forschungslabor with the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin and supported by the partners Centre de Recherche sur la Conservation des Collections - CRCC, Image Permanence Institute - IPI and Technische Universität München - TUM

Registration

The registration fee is EUR 80,-, reduced EUR 40,-. The costs include information materials, assistance to the sessions and coffee breaks. After May 20th, 2011, the registration fee will be EUR 120,-.

Venue

Ethnologisches Museum
Staatliche Museen zu Berlin – Museen Dahlem
Arnimallee 27, 14195 Berlin
www.smb.museum/home.html
www.facebook.com/staatlichemuseenzuberlin

Information

Eveline Weilert
e.weilert@smb.spk-berlin.de
Phone +49 30 32 674 919
Fax +49 30 32 674 912