British Library, London

22 - 24 October 2012

From the end of the 19th century, sound recordings have documented some of the most significant events in culture, science and history. Today, custodians of audio collections are faced with the challenge of maintaining access to our priceless audio heritage, and the urgent need to digitally preserve recordings held on fragile and obsolete formats. Understanding and Preserving Audio Collections will guide you through collection management and preservation strategies, with an emphasis on digitisation for preservation and access.

The main areas covered are:

• Analogue audio carriers and technology
• Digital audio theory
• Collection level overviews
• Working with audio files
• Archival principles for audio material

The course has been developed for anyone with audio collections, whether managing or simply using audio materials. Whilst no hands-on experience is necessary, it will be useful to have identified beforehand a collection to which the theory and practical elements of this course can be applied. It is led by members of the British Library Sound & Vision department and is structured to allow for plenty of informal discussion and information-sharing.

Full programme and booking information : http://www.bl.uk/blpac/audio.html