Re: [ARSCLIST] Format conundrum

[Jerome Hartke <jhartke@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

No single format should be used for archiving important information. Based
upon our experience as an independent testing lab, CD-R discs are one of
several viable means provided that media, writer, recording software, and
archival environment are properly controlled. Sadly, archivists seek some
magical solution that does not exist. Each form of storage has its own
limitations that must be addressed. Budgets should reflect this, but rarely
do.

Also, any archived media should be regularly validated through testing, and
original source information should always be carefully preserved.

Jerry
Media Sciences, Inc.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
> [mailto:ARSCLIST@xxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Anonymous SET ARSCLIST DIGEST
> Sent: Tuesday, January 11, 2005 12:14 PM
> To: ARSCLIST@xxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: [ARSCLIST] Format conundrum
>
> Dear Fellow Archivists,
>
> I have spent the last 7 years working with a private institutional audio
> collection.  The collection of 7000 tapes is primarily cassette  with some
> very early 1/4".  Up until now we have been reformatting to both CD-R and
> full track 1/4" (7 1/2 ips).  I have been uncomfortable with the prospect
> of putting all our historical eggs in one basket especially when that
> basket (CD-R) hasn't got much of a longterm track record.  However, with
> the recent closing of the Quantegy plant, and the future availability of
> 1/4" tape in question, I am re-evaluating my stance.  I suspect there have
> been many discussions on this list about format choice for preservation
> projects such as ours but I am a recent subscriber and have not had the
> good fortune to gleen the views already expressed.
>
> So, my question is really a request for a quick survey.  How many of you
> would vote in favor of using CD-R alone, for a collection like ours, with
> multiple copies being generated for long term preservation and access
> purposes?  (Considering that we would like not to have to do another round
> of reformatting for at least 30 years.)
>
> Thank you in advance for your responses and any other comments you care to
> make.
> Sincerely yours,
>
> Kevin Irelan
> SYDA Foundation
> Audio Archive