Audio Preservation

Services

Media Preservation provides conservation, rehousing, reformatting services for various audio formats.

Media Preservation staff are available for collection condition assessments and consultations on best practices and strategies for audio preservation.

• A selection of supported formats include:
  • 1/4″ Open Reel (various track configuration)
  • Compact cassette
  • Grooved audio disc (records)
    • Transcription disc
    • 78 rpm disc
    • LP (33 1/3 rpm)
    • 45 rpm microgroove disc
  • DAT
  • ADAT
  • CD
• Please contact Media Preservation for formats not listed here.

 

• Consultation and Assessment: A sample of services include:
  • Format identification
    • Self-identification is available using UIUC’S Preservation Self-Assessment Program (PSAP).
  • Project development
  • Workflow development
  • Preservation strategies
  • Prioritization
  • Budget development
  • Long term physical and digital storage

• Conservation and Preservation Treatment: A sample of services include:
  • Condition assessment and inspection
  • Damage repair
  • Cleaning using various treatments
  • Mold remediation
  • Rehousing in preservation quality enclosures

• In-house listening requests are available by appointment, please contact Media Preservation for more information.

• Digitization
  • Digitization of audio formats is conducted at either the Media Preservation Labs or outsourced to trusted vendors.  Audio digitization projects, in consultation with University staff, involve customized project workflows and specifications including but not limited to documentation, photography, metadata creation, and master and derivative file sets.

• Post-Digitization
  • Audio digitization projects are assessed for quality control and delivered to University staff and/or patrons.
  • In coordination with Digital Preservation, ingest into Medusa, the Library’s long-term digital preservation repository, is conducted.

• Transferring Audio Formats to Media Preservation Labs
  • Deliver materials to room 425 in Main Library. If unsure how to transport items, contact us for assistance. If necessary pick-up or campus shipping delivery may be arranged.

• For patron audio digitization requests please consult here.

• Contact us for further inquiries on audio preservation projects.