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**Apols for cross-posting** Dear all, On the 12th January, the British Library launched a new initiative titled Save our Sounds. One of the key aims of this programme is to preserve as much as possible of the nation’s rare and unique sound recordings, not just those in the Library’s collections but also key items from partner collections across the UK. International consensus holds that we have around 15 years in which to preserve our sound collections. By 2030, the scarcity of older equipment, the condition of recorded media and the loss of skills will make their preservation costly, difficult and, in many cases, impossible. These risks face all recorded sound collections, across the country, from boxes of forgotten cassette recordings to professional archives. To help us understand the risks faced by the UK’s recorded heritage, the Library has been running a project to map the extent of sound collections in the UK, and to create a Directory of UK Sound Collections. Thanks to all those who’ve replied, the response we’ve had so far has been fantastic. Over the past three months we’ve received information on c.1million items covering a wonderful range of subjects, from oral history interviews with nurses, London dockers, rugby players, booksellers and lifeboat crew, to experimental music, church bells, fairground organs, trains and silence, lost radio broadcasts and recordings of Tolkien, Ella Fitzgerald and J.B. Priestley, held on everything from wax cylinders to digital files. And the good news is that it’s not over yet - our project has been extended, and we now have a deadline of 31st May for responses. So, if you’ve been thinking about sending us some information on your collections, or if this is the first you’ve heard of our project, we’d love to hear from you. You can get in touch with us at [log in to unmask], or find out more at our project webpage at: www.bl.uk/projects/uk-sound-directory<http://www.bl.uk/projects/uk-sound-directory> We’ll be publishing the results of our census in June, along with some advice on understanding and looking after your collections. And of course, the more people know about our survey, the safer our sounds will be, so do feel free to publicise amongst your nearest and dearest. All the best, James Knight Research Support Officer, National Audit of UK Sound Collections e-Mail: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> Telephone: 0207 412 7345 National Audit of UK Sound Collections<http://www.bl.uk/projects/uk-sound-directory> ****************************************************************************************************************** Experience the British Library online at www.bl.uk<http://www.bl.uk/> The British Library’s latest Annual Report and Accounts : www.bl.uk/aboutus/annrep/index.html<http://www.bl.uk/aboutus/annrep/index.html> Help the British Library conserve the world's knowledge. Adopt a Book. www.bl.uk/adoptabook<http://www.bl.uk/adoptabook> The Library's St Pancras site is WiFi - enabled ***************************************************************************************************************** The information contained in this e-mail is confidential and may be legally privileged. It is intended for the addressee(s) only. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete this e-mail and notify the [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> : The contents of this e-mail must not be disclosed or copied without the sender's consent. The statements and opinions expressed in this message are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the British Library. The British Library does not take any responsibility for the views of the author. ***************************************************************************************************************** Think before you print Contact the list owner for assistance at [log in to unmask] For information about joining, leaving and suspending mail (eg during a holiday) see the list website at https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?A0=archives-nra