AIC electronic media SIG

Announcing the formation of an electronic media special interest
group within AIC.

Since the mid 1940's, the amount of cultural material dependent on
electronic media has rapidly increased, both in quantity and
importance. Awareness is also increasing that the preservation of
this material will present unique challenges to the preservation
community.  The conservation profession should be prepared to
collaborate with allied preservation professions to help meet these
challenges.  As a response, interested conservators are working
within the framework of AIC to establish an electronic media special
interest group. The purpose of this group will be to foster a better
understanding of the preservation issues relating to electronic
media, so that conservators can actively contribute in the important
work ahead.

Initially, the special interest group will promote:

    *   an examination of the materials used to store electronic
        information, such as magnetic tape.

    *   a discussion of proper storage conditions and techniques for
        electronic media.

    *   an examination of problems specific to the various
        electronic media, such as video and installation art.

    *   a discussion of strategies for managing file format and
        machine obsolescence.

    *   a discussion of the ethical issues raised by preservation
        measures.

    *   the development of documentation protocols for electronic
        media.

In addition, the electronic media SIG will plan a session of talks
for the 1997 AIC conference.

The aims of this new group will be introduced by Paul Messier during
the upcoming Photographic Materials Group session in at the AIC
meeting in Norfolk.  His brief talk is scheduled from 4:00 PM to
4:15 on Friday, June 14.  Interested parties that are unable to
attend the meeting are encouraged to contact Paul directly at
617-738-7072 or pmessier [at] ix__netcom__com.

Paul A. Messier
Conservator of Photographs & Works on Paper
Boston Art Conservation

                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 9:83
                  Distributed: Wednesday, June 5, 1996
                        Message Id: cdl-9-83-001
                                  ***