Introduction to Audiovisual Archiving

Introduction to the issues and challenges of preserving moving image and sound material. The following topics will be covered:
the development of film and sound archives in the twentieth century; the technological history of moving image and sound recording media; basics of film and magnetic media care and handling; methods of preservation and restoration (for both analog and digital media); approaches to restoration, paying particular attention to ethical concerns; how to deal with the new digital media (including the benefits and pitfalls of digitization); systems of description and retrieval for archival audiovisual material, focusing on media asset management systems; appraisal of moving image and sound media; ways to provide access to audiovisual media, including how to deal with possible hindrances to access, such as copyright restrictions and overriding preservation imperatives; and, the professional community, including organizations and businesses which support preservation work.