Course on sound and image collections

SOIMA 2011: Safeguarding Sound and Image Collections
Riga, (Latvia)
    with study visits to partner institutions in other Baltic states
11 -29 July, 2011 (3 weeks)

Organizers

    ICCROM
    (International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and
    Restoration of Cultural Property)

    National Archives of Latvia

    The Baltic Audiovisual Archival Council
    (BAAC)

With the cooperation of:

    University of Latvia
    Lithuanian Central State Archive
    Latvian National Library
    Estonian Film Archives

Today sound and image records account for a large portion of the
world memory and are found in diverse cultural institutions. As
documents of intangible heritage and contemporary culture they are
of immense value; yet, archives, museums, libraries and other
cultural institutions around the world are struggling to conserve
their sound and image collections in both analogue and digital
formats. Moreover, conservation of sound and image materials is
complex and requires specialized guidance, skills and
infrastructure. While digitization offers new possibilities for
wider access and preservation, many institutions lack expertise to
assess the technological implications and to make informed choices
that do not strain institutional resources and at the same time
respect the authenticity and inherent values of this heritage.

The course will provide an overview of issues related to the
preservation and access of sound and image materials e.g.,
photographs, films, video and audiotapes, and digital materials. It
will discuss the value, meaning, selection and use of sound and
image collections in various institutional contexts, exploring the
potential of sound and image media in transmitting knowledge and
cultural traditions. Initial sessions will especially focus on
identification of various formats including the playback equipment,
life expectancy of media and ways of detecting deterioration.
Additional course topics will include: current knowledge and
practices for documenting and cataloguing, media handling and
storage, risk assessment of collections, emergency preparedness and
response, criteria and technologies for migration and reformatting,
planning preservation projects, outsourcing options, digital
preservation and management. Other issues such as curating and
access, copyright laws, legal deposit, and institutional and
national preservation policies will be discussed in context with
participants working realities. Adaptation to technological changes
and related cost- effective preservation strategies will form a key
component of the course.

Objectives: At the end of the course, participants will be able: to
recognize materials and media in their sound and image collections,
to identify risks and make informed choices for preservation and
access. They will have improved their skills to communicate
effectively across disciplines and to work in teams.

Course methodology: The course will comprise lectures, a variety of
group activities, practical sessions, case studies and site visits.
Significant time will be allocated for independent consultation with
the course team. Case studies for the course will be based on
participant inputs and will address issues and challenges identified
by them. Thus, active involvement of participants will be sought
during the course preparation phase. A follow-up programme, will
involve working on self-defined initiatives in participants'
institutions and communicating as well as networking through a
platform supported by the organizers.

Participants: The course is aimed at professionals working with
mixed collections that have sound and image records of national or
regional significance. In particular, it will interest archivists,
collection managers, conservators, curators and librarians in charge
of preserving such collections in various cultural institutions
around the world. It will also interest Information Technology
professionals working on projects involving digitization of sound
and image collections or allied professionals and managers working
for broadcasting institutions. Preference will be given to people
actively involved in teaching and advising. A maximum of 22
participants will be selected.

Teaching team: International team of recognized experts identified
through professional networks of the partners.

Working language: English

Course fee: 900EUR
(concessions will be available for participants from the Baltic
region and developing countries)

Travel, accommodation and living expenses: Participants will be
responsible for their round trip travel costs to and from Riga,
Latvia. In order to cover living costs during the course,
participants should plan for a minimum total allowance of Euro 1000.
This sum would include the costs of accommodation in moderately
priced hotels identified by the organizers.  Candidates are strongly
encouraged to seek financial support from sources such as
governmental institutions, employers and other relevant funding
agencies.

Application: Please use the course application form at

 <URL:http://www.iccrom.org/eng/01train_en/forms_en/applfrm_en.doc>

and  send  it together  with a  statement  summarizing  your
experience and  the  relevance of  the  course to  your current or
future projects in no more than 700 words. Application without the
statement of intent will not be considered. Applications should be
mailed to:

    SOIMA 2011 - Collections Unit
    ICCROM
    13, via di San Michele
    I-00153 Rome RM, Italy
    +39 6 585531
    Fax: +39 6 58553349
    collections<-at->iccrom<.>org


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 24:26
                Distributed: Thursday, November 18, 2010
                       Message Id: cdl-24-26-016
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