Course on sound and image collections

Course
SOIMA 2013
Sound and Image Collections Conservation (SOIMA) Programme

Nairobi (Kenya) with study visits to partner institutions
23 September - 16 October, 2013
Application deadline:  1 March, 2013

Organizers

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

    TARA - Trust for African Rock Art

In cooperation with: National Museums of Kenya

Today sound and image records account for a large portion of the
world's 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. 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 the risks to such collections,

    To make informed choices for preservation and access within
    given means;

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
participants' 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'
home 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: 900Euro

Travel, Accommodation and Living Expenses: Participants will be
responsible for their round trip travel costs to and from Nairobi
(Kenya). In order to cover living costs during the course,
participants should plan for a minimum total allowance of
approximately Euro 1200. 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. ICCROM may be able to offer a
limited number of scholarships to selected candidates who have been
unable to secure funding.

Application Please use the course application form at

    <URL:http://www.iccrom.org/eng/01train_en/forms_en/2013_SOIMA_applfrm_en.doc>

and send it by e-mail to soima2013<-at->iccrom<.>org.  Please note it is
mandatory to include the statement stating your reasons for
applying. Applications without the statement of intent will not be
considered. Should you be sending the application by mail, please
send to

    SOIMA 2013-Collections Unit
    ICCROM
    13, via di San Michele
    00153 Rome RM, Italy
    +39 06 585531
    Fax: +39 06 58553349
    soima2013<-at->iccrom<.>org

Isabelle de Brisis
Administrative Assistant, Collections Unit
idb<-at->iccrom<.>org
ICCROM
Via di San Michele, 13
00153 Rome
Italy
+39 06 585533 05
Fax: +39 06 585533 49


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 26:33
                 Distributed: Sunday, January 13, 2013
                       Message Id: cdl-26-33-013
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