Re: [AV Media Matters] definition of 'archival'

[jhinwood@slv.vic.gov.au]

Tony Gardner of the European Commission, Brussels writes:
What is the formal or working definition of 'archival' in media/support and
format terms and is it generally accepted?

The American National Standards Institute ANSI no longer uses the word'
archival' stating,
The term 'archival' is no longer specified to express longevity or
stability in standards...,since it has been interpreted to have many
meanings...

in addition under their definitions is found storing photographic film
ANSI/PIMA IT9.11-1998

archival medium:  A recording material that can be expected to retain
information forever, so that such information can be retrieved without
significant loss when properly stored.  However, there is no such material,
and it is not a term used to describe material or system specifications in
American National Standards.

I think you will find generally, that this is the consensus, regarding the
use of the term archival.

Jane Hinwood
Photographic Conservator
State Library of Victoria
328 Swanston Street
Melbourne 3000
ph: + 61 3 9669 9049
fax: + 61 3 9669 9616
email: jhinwood@slv.vic.gov.au

                    tony gardner <anthony.gardner@cec.eu.int>
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Subject:     [AV Media Matters] definition of

'archival'
                    02/02/2001 02:28
                    Please respond to AV-Media-Matters

The word comes up often.
What is the formal or working definition of 'archival' in media/support and
format terms and is it generally accepted?

Tony Gardner
European Commission
Brussels